#i debated on posting this response when you sent it because 1) spoilers but 2) i swear i neededa fucking warning for this shit

[spoopy-nevermore-dump]

Hey pssst hey. Have you ever considered: Montada?

I hate it, and it nearly killed my hyperfixation

But I understand my opinion on this may affect others, and many may be hurting from this episode soooooooooo

Art requests open

[bills-pokedex]

Is using pokemon to steal from big stores a valid use of pokemon?

Before I begin, I’d like to apologize for the open discomfort in this response. This discomfort stems from three things, which I should also note:

1. I’m a public figure, so therefore, I literally cannot encourage or even condone theft of any kind for any reason, even if I am politically unconventional, as it were.

2. Even if I could, I’ve always been very open about my anti-Team Rocket policies, so I’m not entirely certain what you were expecting here, to be frank.

3. If you were doing this as a form of protest, then I have unfortunate news to tell you about quite a few products you’re likely benefiting from, including but not limited to the Leppa laptop you’re likely using to access GMail in order to run your ... well, literally every social media platform these days. While shopping at certain online retailers who must not be named.

That having been said, to answer you properly, allow me to do so by assuming this is a pokémon handling question more than ... anything else.

The short answer is no. The long answer is no ... because of consent. You see, the biggest concern with any activity you engage in is consent. It’s very easy to assume that our pokémon partners are just as intelligent as we are, given that they’re so integrated with our lives. The sad truth is that many of them don’t possess the advanced intellect we’re capable of, so having your pokémon help you steal would be a lot like having your four-year-old little brother help you pocket whatever they can. Certainly, it’s your four-year-old little brother, but at the same time, you wouldn’t ask your four-year-old little brother to commit what’s technically a crime, right? The same should be said of pokémon. If they can’t comprehend what they’re doing or the moral arguments behind it, then they can’t consent to you using their abilities. Ergo, no, it’s not a valid use of pokémon.

However, if you have a pokémon that can comprehend—say, kadabra or alakazam—then you can technically do whatever you’d like with them so long as: 1) they do indeed consent, and 2) the activity you wish to engage in isn’t morally reprehensible on an objective level (e.g., murder, assault, poképhilia, sexual misconduct of any other variety, corruption of minors—I could go on). So in that sense, if they understand and consent, you can’t technically say it’s wrong ... except, well, from a legal standpoint. Therein lies the debate, of course, and why I clarified that earlier statement to say “so long as you don’t do something objectively reprehensible.” That having been said, again, I can’t encourage or condone you to ask your pokémon to steal, but I can say that you can at least argue it’s not pokémon abuse if you’re not forcing a pokémon to do something it doesn’t understand.

Finally, if you’re a member of Team Rocket, the above still doesn’t apply because even if your pokémon does understand and consent, you’re asking it to steal for the subjugation of other pokémon, which is ... wrong. Don’t do that. Among other things that you shouldn’t also do.

{Important Mun Disclaimer is below the readmore and heavily political. Please skip to the next post if you don’t want to see Words.}

{Important Mun Disclaimer: I’ve been thinking about how best to address this because on the one hand, I realize this is meant to be a lighthearted funny haha joke ask sent to a normally uptight yet also lowkey anarchist character who happens to work alongside his world’s government. On the other ... I’ve always been uncomfortable with the lifting community that I know is prevalent both among leftists and on social media in general, and I feel like I need to talk about it because it’s not for the reason you might think.

See, I’ve read arguments on both sides about whether or not it’s morally okay for a leftist to steal from a big corporation. I’m aware of the arguments about workers (Do they get penalized? Don’t they? It seems to vary by store, and honestly, some workers support this behavior and shouldn’t be ignored.), and I’m aware of lifters’ insistence that it’s some form of protest against box stores (spoilers: they make enough bank and take out enough insurance that they don’t care about the handful of luxury items you’re stealing). So I hear all of you. F, yo, I was a teenager once too, and I hung out with textbook punks a lot. If your reason for stealing is because you’re an idiot kid who gets kicks from doing that, at least I understand because that’s what you do when you’re young and angry.

Nah, my reason for being super uncomfortable with lifting doesn’t really touch these arguments. It’s got everything to do with my need to write this disclaimer, though, and that reason is ... to let people know that’s an extremely white thing to do.

So to all the white people and white-passing people shoplifting because you’re lefties (really, because you like the adrenaline rush, lbr), I just want to talk about all the Black people who have to be followed around in stores because clerks think they’re lifting. I want to talk about how retail workers not too long ago (as I was before I started my career doing something else) were literally taught to follow “suspicious customers,” with the implication being “POCs.” And I want to talk about how there are folks who get arrested or worse for “stealing” things they actually bought or for “stealing” when they were literally just browsing.

Some of this might just be bad timing too, mind you. I’d read this article the other day, so maybe if this ask hadn’t come literally that day, I probably would have answered without all this talk. Maybe I could’ve deleted the ask and pretended it was one of the unanswerables. But anyway, I read it, and I’d like to share it for context with the rest of you because it’s also important: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/29/opinions/kyle-rittenhouse-bail-donations-race-leiba/index.html (tw btw, because a Black person describes what it’s like to be arrested in pretty intense detail) Anyway, point is, maybe it’s a good thing that I’d read this because, well, something needs to be said here. When you’re young and stupid and very likely white, stealing seems like fun because ACAB and all. But when you get older and really think critically about the world around you, you start to think critically about what you do too. Hopefully. In most cases. Some people are dead-on my age, and they still steal, citing leftism as their reasoning with absolutely zero self-awareness about how they can do that because they’re, well, white.

My point in bringing this up is not to harsh a buzz, and absolutely, it’s done with the complete understanding that this is a Pokémon ask blog, so of course not too many people are going to take it seriously. It’s more because I just didn’t feel right just answering this ask and not talking about this bit of politics. And that’s mostly because lifting is such a meme among progressive folks on social media, and it just ... tires me, in a way, that it’s never really discussed that this is a thing you can only really get away with 100% of the time if you’re white.

Anyway, the actual disclaimer is that Bill’s politics don’t often reflect my own and vice-versa. Bill is played as a neutral good character, who believes he can fix the world and actually probably could, but at the same time, he’s, well, lowkey anarchist. I, meanwhile, am none of those things. Moreover, Bill’s world is a utopia where things like discrimination is an actual thing of the past and where humans live more or less in harmony, openly, as whoever they want to be, and that’s due to a combination of canon and me intentionally constructing a world where other people can imagine themselves being safe and not having to fight to be who they want to be. But the problem is that our world isn’t Bill’s, and sadly, sometimes, I have to acknowledge that.

Anyway, sorry for the long rant. Thanks for reading, and a second ask will be up shortly as a reward for putting up with this.}

[ramblings-of-a-mad-cat]

If you have sent me an Ask in the last thirty-six hours or so, This post is for you.

I was almost entirely done with answering all your beloved messages, when Tumblr decided to crash. Lost all the paragraphs of my rambling (which is why I’m no longer taking chances and am typing this on Google Docs) and even worse, the Asks seem to have been eaten by Tumblr’s great void. They’re gone, and nothing I’ve tried seems to work to get them back. Thankfully, I’m fresh off of responding, so I’ll try to summarize with one big epic post. Apologies for the inconvenience and unusual style, blame the Tumblr Overlords. 

WARNING: If you don’t read the data-mines and don’t want spoilers, do not go beyond this point. This mainly concerns The Quidditch Cup. 

There were a couple of Asks about Ismelda, someone talked about the head-canon that she’s secretly blonde and dyes her hair. Which I agree with, and really like. It would tie in to how Ismelda saw Penny as being no different from her sister. It would be a sign of her trying to spite her parents and distance herself from her family, to the point of even looking like them. I also think it would echo with Beatrice and how she changed her look to reinvent herself and be less of a “Mini Penny.” Another message was talking about her parents, wondering why they would ever visit her at Hogwarts given how they were portrayed. After all, they’re not about to be the next Ethan Parkin, are they? Not going to turn around and be well-meaning, but oblivious. I think it’s far more likely that they would visit her sister at Hogwarts, and it would be pure chance that Ismelda was there at the same time - if there was indeed any overlap where both sisters were at school. But that’s the real question of the hour - just what is the sister like? After all, it’s not her fault that she’s the favorite, right? Newt Scamander was estranged from his brother, who was engaged to his ex-girlfriend. From that description alone, we might think he was awful, but he wasn’t. Theseus was genuinely caring, he just didn’t know how to connect with Newt. We might have a similar situation on our hands here. Or, who knows, the sister might be the “Dudley” to Ismelda’s “Harry.” She was compared to both Emily and Penny, if memory serves. But until such a time that we meet her, we have no way of knowing who she’s really more like. Psst, Jam City, you getting this down? This would be a great TLSQ, to have Ismelda come face to face with her sister. Could perhaps end with, oh I dunno, befriending her? Just a thought…

I saw another Ask talking about how Beatrice would go back and forth between MC and Jae during their detention and how adorable it was to see her all flustered and excited, how it looked like she was gushing to MC “He’s so dreamy” and things of the like. It’s making me wish they would come back to this sub-plot because it’s funny as hell and a good way, again, to tie in Ismelda. She also fancied someone she had no chance with, she was also jealous of another person. (Chiara might not actually have a thing with Jae, but if memory serves, Beatrice is shown to be jealous of them talking anyway.) 

There was an Ask that talked about punching Barnaby’s father in the face. Or at least, the idea of doing so. But regrettably, he is in Azkaban and it cannot be done. Well, maybe not by MC, but someone who was already there could do it. New head-canon, Sirius decked him on his way out. It happened, I don’t make the rules.

@guppygirl I read the first chapter of your fic! Do you know what you’ve done to me, do you know how many feelz it gave me to see Rowan alive and well and acting so sweet? You nailed their character and I love the inclusion of their parents! Maya’s reactions make just want to give her a hug. Everyone should check out the fanfic on her page, seriously!

I believe there was an Ask lamenting that the Festival TLSQ didn’t come out this week, and believe me friend, I’m right there clowning with you. It seems like every week now, we think, “Okay, this time it will come out, they can’t delay it anymore.” And we’re always wrong. Here I am just starting to worry that my far-fetched theory about them shelving it until next year because it’s no longer “seasonal” isn’t so far-fetched after all…

But the vast majority of messages that were lost were, as I’m sure you can guess, about the data-mined House Cup for Season 2. I wrote a lot about it and I do indeed have some thoughts and feelings. 

Before I get into anything else, can I just say...that first scene with Ethan where he meets MC. I don’t think it’s possible for me to ever dislike Skye. All it ever takes is one vulnerable moment to erase any doubts and have me back in her corner. And you cannot tell me that Ethan knowing everything about MC because “Isn’t this the best mate you always talk about?” Didn’t melt your heart or at least give you feelz. Think back to how hurt Skye was when MC befriended Rath - to the point of snapping a broomstick in half. This is just proof of what I’ve been saying. She has no social skills and hardly any friends. Of course she sees MC as her bestie. The poor thing, oh my god, it’s adorable...

Ethan Parkin….I’m not a fan, even now. As I heard, he’s not as bad as we all feared he would be. He definitely has his moments. Still...he’s still pretty annoying. Ethan is basically a less obnoxious version of Lockhart, who actually has the talent to back it up. But I didn’t like how he involved himself in the practice and took over deciding who should be leader. Seriously, if he knows the game this well then he should know we already have a leader assigned. That’s what a Captain is. He was quite rude to Orion and while his pressuring Skye might have been inadvertent, it was still his fault. He’s also an extremely violent Quidditch player, which I’m not a fan of (Although apparently Penny is? The fuck?) I get that he would never cross the line into cheating, but I’m not impressed by how he lied. Didn’t give his team credit. And seriously...is cheating morally inferior to harming another player in a “legal” way? I guess it’s just a Quidditch culture thing, but I’m not here for it. 

Orion’s reaction to Ethan, though? God I loved it. He took everything completely in stride, had the maturity to say that no, he was happy to learn from a Quidditch master. His concern wasn’t about his ego, it was about Skye’s feelings. Because once again, he’s the only one with the empathy to realize what she might be going through. Orion’s response was measured and thoughtful and god, I love him so much. Side note: Were they seriously debating whether or not keeping Ethan around to learn his mystery move was worth it, even if it was stressing Skye out? My dudes, this is the exact same mistake you made during the Rath TLSQ. Involving someone who doesn’t need to be involved, just for the sake of a potential advantage in a meaningless sports game, regardless of how much it will hurt someone who is supposed to be our friend. Screw that. 

Folks were talking about Erika Rath. Someone brought up how hilarious it was in a previous chapter to see Andre actually tell her to be quiet, and for her to do so. And yeah, I agree. It’s a testament to how close their friendship must really be (Sorry, Depressed Erika Anon) I mean, most people wouldn’t dare say that to her. And I don’t think she’d have such a calm and passive reaction to just anyone. It’s unconventional, but their relationship is a sweet one. Overall, they’re involving Rath more and I’m quite glad of it. Seeing her proud of MC is heartwarming. Seeing her become more of a main character is great - I mean, she is one of the main four, after all. Face Paint Kid is a background character, as much as I love him. Penny is only here to develop Skye, and Andre is only here to develop Rath. There was also an interesting comparison made between her and Ethan, about how they both play pretty violently. Still not a fan of this. Maybe that’s one of the reasons that I’m mostly indifferent to Rath. But I’m coming around on her. 

This was a lovely place to cap off Skye’s character arc. Seeing MC stand up to Ethan (although I wish you could be firm without having to say that stupid “You’re off the team, Parkin!” line) was especially cathartic, and it’s clear that Skye appreciates it. She’s happier by the end, and has actually communicated with her father. I would sincerely like it if Season 3 focused on, say, Murphy a little more. He hasn’t gotten any development since the first half of Season 1. Even Orion got some development in this TLSQ. But...make no mistake, we’re not done hearing about Skye. I know that no one wants to hear this, but...they slipped in that line about her wishing she could play Rath. She still hates her. That hasn’t been resolved. Oh well, at least it’s an opportunity to further flesh out Rath. There’s also the possibility that, if they do give focus to Orion, it might be that Season 3 is his last hurrah. I hope he stays for the entire story, but even if they don’t want to confirm character ages...he could very well graduate. If he does, there’s going to be a story-line about choosing his successor. And again, I know that nobody wants to see this happen, but...the only candidates who matter in the story are MC and Skye. So they could be pitted against each other again. But I hope that won’t happen.

Curse you, Tumblr. Oh well, it should be safe to send in Asks again because I’m quite literally going to copy them onto a Google Doc from now on just to be safe. If I missed out on one that you sent in, please feel free to let me know or re-send it. I’ve also seen people taking screenshots of their Asks and then responding to the picture instead of just responding outright. Might do that too...thank you for your patience, this has been a doozy. 

[aarunomura]

MARGINAL#4 Index 2nd Stage ~LOVE★SAVIOR~ Chapter 1 - Morning☆Star: A New Voyage to Aerospace (Translation)

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7

Due to possible spoilers, please read the 1st index before proceeding.

★ Please DO NOT re-translate or post this translation anywhere.

CHAPTER 1: Morning☆Star: A New Voyage to Aerospace

That day... That’s right, February 171 became a very special day to us all.

The stars from the penlights that coloured the audience. MARGINAL#4 who sang up on stage while being given that twinkling light. Just thinking about it now still brings me to tears.

And───

“The next single...?” “That’s right, I’ve considered it. I’m also thinking of giving them media exposure as a way of promoting it so please take care of that.” “I-It’s not a lie, right...?”

Director strongly nodded. My heart was beating rapidly upon hearing the news, which sounded too good to be true.

“The response at their stage the other day was greater than I had imagined.” “That... is all thanks to everyone’s efforts. Um, about this news...” “Fufu, since I’m telling you about this now, you might as well tell all the members too while you’re at it.” “Is it alright for me to?” “Of course. You are their Manager after all.”

The usually strict Director is sweetly smiling. It isn’t until I see that that all of this finally feels real.

(I have to let everyone know as soon as possible!)

★☆★

I got in touch with the members, telling them to come to the agency at once. Even as I wait for their arrival, I can’t contain my excitement...

“Sup, Manager! You suddenly sent us a reply, but what’s the matter?” “Exactly, not to mention you are behaving somewhat strangely...”

It seems Atom-kun and Rui-kun met up along the way and came here together. Such a thing was unimaginable for these two back when they first met...

“...For you to be grinning all of a sudden, what is the matter?” “Eh?! Was I making that expression?” “You were. Isn’t that right, Atom-kun?” “Yeah. It was clear as day to me. You were grinning so broadly that I feel like taking a photo of it and sharing it around.” “What is it?” "Well...”

Just as I was about to explain that it was because I was just so happy, the door opened up once more.

“Yaho~♪” “...Ah... You two are already here... Sorry we kept you waiting...”

Eru-kun is smiling cheerily while Aru-kun is concerned about everyone. Their personalities are completely different from one another, but I know that that difference is what brings forth the nice balance between the two.

After I got the four to sit on the sofa, I also then sat facing them from across the table.

“Everyone’s here. What I want to talk about... is MARGINAL#4′s future.”

After I exchanged glances with each and every one of them, the four gazed back intently at me.

“.........It looks like it’s settled. The release of your next single!”

“WOAHHHHHHH!! FOR REAL?!!” “I-Is it really…?!” “YAAAY! Alright~! I’m as happy as infinite marimo…!” “Eh, um…! What do I do… Um…!”

Atom-kun makes a triumphant pose, and Rui-kun heaves a sigh of relief. Next to Eru-kun, who is grinning ear to ear, is Aru-kun whose eyes are wet with tears.

“Manager! We can’t sit still! Let’s get started on our lessons this instant!” “Atom-kun is exactly right. We need to begin right away...!” “Yeah... This means we can meet everyone again, doesn’t it... I’m 1000% happy!” “O-Our level of joy has already reached its MAX, hasn’t it!”

Everyone holds hands and rejoices. I feel happy just from watching. I realise just how much of a dear existence these four... MARGINAL#4 has become to me.

(Alright! I need to work even harder and support everyone!)

★☆★

Having woken up early in the morning the following day, I made my way to the rehearsal hall much earlier than the appointed time.

“Good morning, Manager.” “Ah, Rui-kun!”

Rui-kun is already in his training jersey. Sweat is faintly spreading across his forehead.

“You are early today.” “Um, well, when I thought about what’s going to happen from here on, I just couldn’t sit still.” “I see. ...Were you in quite a hurry to leave home?” “Eh? How did you know?” “Because──”

Rui-kun’s hand quietly reaches out towards me.

“Fufu, you still have some bed hair over here, you see.”

Rui-kun said while pinching a side section of my hair.

“Ehh, no way! R-Really?! I need to fix it right away...” “Fufu...”

(Perhaps I was a little too enthusiastic. Since I’m their Manager, I need to calm down a bit.)

“U-Umm, thanks for telling me... Are you practising on your own?” “Yes. Even if it is just a little, I wish to make some advanced preparations. However..." “...?” “I am not the only one who feels that way. The other three are also here. See for yourself.”

I followed the direction Rui-kun pointed at to see that the other three were doing stretches. Noticing me, Atom-kun waved his arms about.

“What with everyone here, it feels like we’re training together rather than training on our own.” “Certainly, it does. For everyone to gather together without any premeditation... it is truly a wonder. Well then, it is about time I be on my way.”

After cheerfully smiling, Rui-kun ran off to the others for practice.

It naturally brought a full smile to my face when I watched those backs.

(How nice. It truly feels like MARGINAL#4 has become one.)

I want to do whatever I can for them.

★☆★

During the break from dance lessons, I stood in front in front of the vending machine, debating which drinks to get, when Aru-kun showed up.

“...Um......... Manager...”

Slightly pulling at my sleeve, Aru-kun is finding the words to say.

“...Um... I was thinking that I haven’t thanked you properly.” “Thank me...?” “It’s thanks to you that the next step in our development has been decided. It’s because you did your utmost best for us. Thank you so much.” “I’m the one who should be thanking you. I’m really fortunate to have been able to witness such a wonderful moment.” “...R-Really...?” “Yup!”

Aru-kun looks down to hide his slightly red cheeks. He breaks into a heartwarming smile. At that moment───

“I, as the leader, shall work harder and harder. Because MARGINAL#4 is my precious PT...!”

Both of Aru-kun’s hands wrap around mine. Unexpectedly large and firm hands. I feel his warmth slowly being transmitted to mine.

(A-As expected of an idol...)

I can feel my cheeks grow hot with his sincere eyes gazing at me.

“Ah──! Aru, just whaaat are you doing with Manager behind my back! Not fair!!”

Pointing, Eru-kun ran over and then inserted himself between Aru-kun and me. After grabbing Aru-kun by both shoulders and jostling him aside, he draws himself up to his full height with his back facing me.

“So, Aru, what were you talking about? It’s a secret, right?” “N-No! I was just thanking her! And saying how I’ll continue to do my best.” “Hmm...”

Eru-kun turns around and pouts as if sulking.

“Really? Hey, Manager, is that true?”

He leans forward and peers into my face. Unlike Aru-kun’s, his eyes are that of a child who likes teasing adults and getting up to mischief.

“I-It’s true.” “Hmm... I wonder... Fufu...” “It really is the truth!” “Fuun, I seeee... That’s good then ♪”

As if his sulking was a lie, Eru-kun cracked a smile.

“Hey, Manager. I’ll also work hard so as to not lose to Aru so watch me, okay?” “Of course.” “It’s a promise. Now I really have to try harder then, don’t I! Let’s go, Aru! We can’t rest forever!” “Y-Yeah!”

Pulled along by Eru-kun, Aru-kun also broke into a run.

(Fufu, all of them sure are good, hard-working boys...)

☆★☆

Lessons afterwards go on for hours on end. However, not a single person show signs of fatigue. In fact, Atom-kun in particular has become more energetic as time goes by.

“I seriously feel refreshed, moving my body like this! Alright, time for Twitter...!” “Atom-kun, you really like Twitter, don’t you.” “Somehow, it feels like we’re all connected, doesn’t it? The great ATM’s TL is also lively today!” “Eh, don’t you get angry whenever you are called ‘ATM’?” “At first, yeah. But... When you think about it, doesn’t it sound cool?! When I have all my followers calling me that, it’s like I’ve gained more friends and that makes me happy.” “Fufu, Atom-kun sure has a lot of friends.” “Well yeah! What’s this? You’re saying that you also want to get along even be~tter with me? Hmm?!”

He puts both hands on his hips and says that like he’s issuing me a challenge.

“Of course, I want to get along with you.”

In order to properly understand everyone as their Manager.

“.........What the heck, you’re no fun to tease.” “Eh?” “It’s nothing! Anyway... I gotta work hard for everyone’s sake as well! Alright!”

Motivating himself, Atom-kun began to dance again. He always has a smile on his face, but he shows a serious expression when it comes to practice. I have always been impressed by that side of his.

Of course, that doesn’t just apply to Atom-kun.

“Atom-kun, let us synchronise our dancing once more.” “You got it! Let’s do it, Rui!” “Me too, me too! I’m joining in!” “W-Wait! Then... how about we all do it together, starting from the top?”

Everyone nods and returns to their standing positions.

With everyone gathered together and practising like this, I can feel each of their feelings towards MARGINAL#4 as a whole being conveyed.

(These members will be able to bring a shower of stars on stage again!)

I am confident of that.

☆★☆

(Since everyone is working hard, I need to too...!)

I rent every possible kind of DVDs that can serve as reference for MARGINAL#4′s stages. My bag became very heavy already thanks to that, but then I also made my way to the book store after remembering that an idol magazine was out on sale today.

(M-My bag is really heavy as to be expected...)

Afterwards, I went to do some research on CD shops that by the time I arrived in front of my own home, midnight had rolled around.

(Um, key, where’s the key...)

I rummage through my bag, but it isn’t to be found due to being buried underneath the DVDs and magazine. I shoved my hand underneath all that ─── and froze. I could sense a presence from behind me.

(...Someone... is there...?)

Should I turn around? The sound of footsteps echoed immediately after that thought. In that same moment, there was a loud sigh. There’s no doubt about it. It’s a man.

“It is you, isn’t it. MARGINAL#4′s Manager.”

A deep and displeased voice.

(H-How do they know me? I don’t recognise this voice...)

“Good grief. To be out and about this late, you are quite the careless person.”

(W-What do I do...!)

“Now then, let us have a little cha──”

The moment a hand touched my shoulder───

“M-Molester──!!” “Wha...!”

I turn around and strike the man with my bag with all my might. The bag’s contents are scattered on the ground so as to drown out his voice.

“...You must have some nerve to suddenly treat people like a deviant.” “...Eh?” “I see that you are very lacking in common sense. It is because you are like that that you are looked down upon...”

I gathered the courage to look at the man. No matter how I look at him, there is nothing suspicious about him. If anything, he is even wearing a perfectly fitted suit.

“Ah, this is a problem. My glasses are bent...”

(Oh no, did I end up causing something serious...?)

A happy-go-lucky-sounding ringtone was then heard from my mobile phone, which had gotten mixed in among the belongings scattered at my feet. I don’t know why, but I look at the man standing before my eyes. With a displeased look still on his face, he nodded in silence.

(He’s saying to hurry up and pick it up, isn’t he...)

I nervously pressed the call button. The voice I heard belonged to Director. Her greetings were brief, and she got right down to business.

“Actually... there is one thing I need to tell you.” “Yes, what is it?” “.........I want you to listen without feeling upset...”

Her tone is serious that I straighten up my back without thinking. I grip my phone tight.

“There’s someone I want you to meet tonight. Although I believe he’s already headed your way...” “Eh...?” “Didn’t you meet someone? A man in a suit.”

The bad feeling I have continues to grow.

“That person is Chang Satsuki... I am leaving MARGINAL#4′s management to him from now on.” “Eehh?! B-But...” “I want you to understand. This is business. In order for MARGINAL#4 to shine even brighter...”

In a displeased manner, the man before my eyes ─── Chang Satsuki, pushed up his glasses.

To be continued. ➤ Chapter 2

NOTES:

1 The first day of Rejet Fes/Universe FES was on a Saturday. The date is listed as 17 here instead of 13 because if you go through the 2013 calendar, that Saturday falls on the 17th. Nonetheless, February 13th is regarded as the day of MG#4′s official debut anniversary because that was when their debut single went out on sale.

Thanks for reading!! /rolls away