#the same way idols in the past did for aira

[distortedmoondisc]

I think we as a fandom don't talk enough about Aira being Hiiro's fan—y'know, as an idol.

It might be because most people don't read the main story, or because it's not blatantly stated in there like other things, but it's something I think is a very unique facet about their relationship.

As we know, Aira separates his professional life and his personal life a lot. He will wait in line to shake hands with Hiyori Tomoe and buy a dozen CDs just to have a couple of extra minutes just talk to him, even though he can do this at any time since they're both idols living in the ES dorms and friends from the same circle.

And while this is admittedly silly from Aira's part, he truly sees this something serious and actually, he's kind of justified in thinking this way? He takes pride in being an idol otaku, and he wants to play as fair as possible with fellow fans, he doesn't want to take advantage of the fact that he's living and working alongside these super stars, and in my eyes that just shows how pure-hearted and honest he is.

With that in mind, it would be obvious to conclude that Aira would be a fan of his unitmates. He's definitely a fan of Tatsumi and Mayoi, but it's explicitly said in the MS that Aira is a fan of Hiiro.

This is from episode 89, "Grace"

(this episode may or may have not changed my brain chemistry forever lol)

Here, Aira makes the statement that he wants to protect Hiiro as an idol.

Hiiro is new to this world; he's a rookie, he's unpolished, far from perfect, but he's brimming with potential and he shines brightly on stage regardless of his imperfections — especially to Aira's eyes, and Aira wants to protect that, he wants to keep Hiiro's shine, and to help him grow and become the great idol Aira sees in him.

And I just can't express how much this means to me??? To their relationship??? This is why I can't understand people who say Aira doesn't care about Hiiro (these are opinions I've read way too often on twitter...), when Aira more than anyone wants to protect him not only as a person (like when he comforts him, cheers him up and motivates him after Rinne disowns him), but also as an idol. Aira trusts in Hiiro the idol. He sees his potential and he admires him deeply — not only as a fellow idol or as a friend, but as a fan.

And what gets me is the wording Aira uses here. He talks about wanting to protect Hiiro, to defend him. This is stated in another chapter and I don't remember exactly where (I believe it's one of the last episodes of the MS, but please correct me if I'm mistaken), but Aira states that he wants to protect Hiiro's purity — and this can be interpreted many ways, be it in that he wants to protect Hiiro's innocence as in his personality trait (his endearing naivety, his trusting and friendly nature, his endless curiosity, his earnestness and sincerity), or his purity as an idol, in the sense that because Hiiro is an idol, he has an appearance to keep, he has to be shining and to be pure and beautiful all the time (because that's the image idols give to the world, to their fans; the image that gives countless of people like Aira hope); this can include protecting Hiiro from the darker sides of the industry, such as toxic fans, unhealthy relationships with fame, corrupted producers or people from the industry, among other things. Aira seems to be aware of these issues (as he mentions in the second chapter of the main story, see below), so it makes sense that he wants to shield Hiiro, who knows absolutely nothing about this industry or the city, from those things.

Episode 24, "Suspicious"

And personally, I think Aira means both. He wants to protect Hiiro's purity as a person: he wants to protect the cheerful and positive Hiiro he knows and loves and admires (Aira himself states this. Multiple times. So much so that Aira often comments about how uncomfortable he feels when Hiiro is gloomy or troubled, that he is always the first to ask what is wrong or if something is bothering him.... but talking about Aira's high perceptiveness for Hiiro's emotions is a topic for another day) — but he also wants to protect Hiiro as an idol, wants to protect the immaculate image he gives to the world and to his fans, because Aira loves him, the same way he loves an idol from a fan standpoint. And he hopes that by protecting this purity, Hiiro will grow to be the talented and shining idol Aira knows he can be.

And what gets me is that after thinking of Hiiro this way, Aira snaps out of his self-deprecating thoughts and decides to give his best in the Ullambana (episode 89). Aira literally overcame his insecurities because of Hiiro. Thinking of having to do his best and keep working hard in order to keep up with him and with Alkaloid gave him the strength he needed to stop spiraling down his own insecurities and focus his efforts into something that was worth it: in keeping Alkaloid alive, and keeping Hiiro The Idol alive, because Aira believes he will become an idol that will soothe, delight and captivate hearts of many like Aira in the future — and Aira has to become an accomplished idol and a strong person if he is to be next to him on stage to protect him and to help him grow.

-

I say a lot, mostly jokingly between my friends, that Aira is the biggest HiiroP... but after writing this whole post, I realize I'm not so far off from this assumption. Aira loves Hiiro as a friend, we all know and understand that, but what is often overlooked is that Aira—who divides his professional and personal life so strictly—recognizes the rookie, unpolished, but talented Hiiro as an idol, and he wants to see him grow and succeed not only as his friend and unitmate, but also as a fan. Hiiro is so shining and wonderful on stage that it awakens the idol-ota instinct on Aira, it brings him back to his roots where he watched and admired idols from afar and inspired and soothed his lonely heart. And honestly? I think this is terribly wholesome, if not incredibly beautiful, and I'm getting emotional over hiiai once again, so I'm going to finish the essay here. Thanks for reading ahdjfk

[sucantslay]

HONEYCOMB SUMMER // analysis

Ok, before getting into this, I'm warning y'all, I'm not good at analysis ( I did like 4-5 of them before, that it )

If anything wrong or you don't feel like that what it actually is, feel free to think differently.

This is some...most of my thoughts I pull out of my head then put it on here so... yeah, don't expect a "unable to communicate with other easily" to do much.

My English is a bit bad.

This analysis is long, like...HELL LONG. So pls do make some free time before reading.

Thank you for reading that! Now let's get into the real stuff, shall we?

Pls accept my sincere apologies, but before getting into the song, can we talk about the...the event story first?

The event that Honeycomb Summer came from is: Heat Haze ◆ Lingering Summer & Hot Limit

And after spending my dia like a rich ass kid just to unlock all the story ( I missed out the event ) and spend some time reading.

The story's mainly focus on Niki and Niki's past from when he first meets Rinne. But aside from that, it also highlights Rinne and Niki relationship.

LIKE, RINNE LITERALLY ASKS HIM FOR MARRIAGE. STOP- I CAN'T

And you maybe think, yeh, he was just joking around. No, no he's not. He did not joke that stuff around.

And I'm not telling you to believe that Rinne wants to marry Niki in a "marriage" way. I like you to know that Rinne's living a different life than other character and the one who is likely to understand it like him is Hiiro.

Who didn't get annoyed when Rinne called Aira his little "girlfriend".

The meaning of marriage is being viewed different here. It not the couple's rings, not the beautiful clothes nor was it about the wedding ceremony.

It's about the two getting to stay together legally, that their home is officially below to both and got admitted by everyone else, and that Rinne loves Niki in a way that he wishes to share the hardship with him.

Clue? IT'S EVERYWHERE in the event story and *talk with a shaky voice* Epilogue 4... Epilogue 4 shines the best out of it.

He, HE LITERALLY SAID: "I tried to tell him that if we got married, we would become family, so there was no need to worry about causing me any trouble. I also tried boosting his self-esteem by making him a popular idol."

"I'm just a hick, but I've done my best..."

Like, Rinne was trying so much to make Niki happy. But Niki's Niki...He's scared that he might cause Rinne trouble so he mostly stays out of it.

From what had happened to Niki dad ( His dad who often gets featured in TV programs got banned from TV stations and was forced to never appear on TV again / from Main story Episode 139 / )

So when trouble comes, Niki always hides it from others until it eventually solves itself or until Niki finds some solution to solve it.

It the same as in Hot Limit story, where Niki stayed: "I'm was afraid that if I became a criminal, I would cause trouble for my dad, who was finally getting back on his feet, and my mom, who supported him all the time."

And yet again in Epilogue 4: "Nahaha, But I don't want to cause trouble for people around me like my dad did before..."

And surprisingly, our song for today~ Honeycomb Summer is not just about Crazy:B, it's about NIKI! And what came into Niki life when he was young? Rinne! So Rinne had a big impact on his life, made this song also talks about Rinne in some way.

Ok, ok, first line, first line:

I think that Niki making fun of Rinne's shirt style, but then the next line went:

"I'm going to make another joke like that"(Rinne line)

And I was like, nah, that didn't click, it gonna be something else.

So, if we return to the story event, I was thinking, ok, so maybe this is about the old time more than the present.

The foolish-looking T-shirt is actually from Niki and he gave it to Rinne and after Rinne wears it on, Niki laughs at how it doesn't fit Rinne at all.

If you don't know, Rinne who ran away from his home at that time got nowhere to go, when he was lying dead on the side of the road, Niki accidentally walked by then decided to adopt him.

So maybe Niki gave him some of his T-shirts then felt how weird those T-shirt were.

"I'm going to make another joke like that"

So, consider the fact that Niki doesn't make that much of a joke in the story, he was trying to get close or wanted to make Rinne feel more comfortable by cracking up some weird joke that no one could laugh at. Since he don't usually do that, he's not that good at it, but still trying his best for the little confusing Rinne.

"I'm sorry I let my true feelings get in the way" (Niki line)

"I was just regretting it" (Rinne line)

Niki don't want to cause trouble for others, so "Sorry I let my true feelings get in the way" shows how much Niki wishes to hide himself in, hide what he desires the most because he is scared that "following his heart" may cause other people around him to stuck into his stuff and that might trouble them.

With that came the story event, the same day when Niki brought Rinne back to his home, Niki later on collapsed because he didn't eat properly, Rinne panicked, and ran out of the house, begging the neighbor for some food.

When Niki woke up, he found food, a lot of them. But when Rinne said that he "rod" them, Niki was dumbfounded, thought he really did such things until Niki asked the other and found out that Rinne was actually insincere about it.

Thinking that Rinne was a bad person until Niki got to know the whole story did he finally go soft on him. Realize that Rinne is a good person and feel the want to keep him around.

"I'm sorry for picking you up just because I hope that I'm not a bad person and left you there on the street, and now I'm regretting it. You deserve a place to live in. And maybe mine isn't the best, but this is all I have."

"With a shy look on your face. You're just trying to fool me" "Isn't that just pulling us apart? The distance between us" (Kohaku & HIMERU)

"(WHAT GOING ON?)"(All)

Remind you about the fact that Niki is quite aloof.

Don't really get along with other friends (did he even have any friend at that time?)

So having some stranger staying in his house is not a good thing for him. Both are having communication problems so who will be the first to open up now?

And with Rinne ruthless way of talking, it was hard for the inexperienced Niki to understand him without misunderstanding it.

But Niki still hold onto the kindness in Rinne heart, knowing that Rinne wasn't actually THAT MEAN. Though the way he talks is like he wants to push Niki away.

(Note: The translation in-game was like this: "In an attempt to get away with it, but that will only push us apart. And widen the distance between you and me." )

Niki was panicked: "What should I do? What should I say? How do I treat him in his needs? Food! Maybe Food! He liked my food so-!"

He didn't know what do to, and neither did Rinne.

Niki sometimes regretted letting him in, but at the same time, he felt relief for giving him a home and didn't let his body rot on the side of the street.

"I don't want to make a bad play"

(Rinne line)

"And don't want to be a bad actor"

(Rinne&HIMERU)

From these 2 lines, it not about Niki, this captures more of Rinne characteristics as we all know, he acts like a mean, harsh person but at heart, he just wants the best for everyone.

And he was trying to "play it cool" here, just like the time he asked for food from the neighbor for Niki. He displays himself as a flawless, perfect being but inside he's just as pathetic as everyone else.

He didn't want anyone to find out about this, not even Niki, who was the only person he could rely on.

What happen if Niki found out that he was faking it? He may be a monarch but he's nothing but a helpless human in the big city.

He's smart and is the best human being around, yet is all but the way he wants people to look at him. He can't help it, he was being raised to become a monarch, to be brave yet alone.

The king who stands alone, sees nothing but the darkness. Then got confused when a stranger that he couldn't push away came into his life.

Niki gave him food, gave him a place, he's not the king! He's a small little human being who loves idol and the new world that shine bright like the sun.

With what Niki gave him, Rinne want nothing more but happiness for Niki. ( This had been showed in the story event, like, dam...I'm in tear)

"NO MORE, SO HOT" (All)

(Note: This is the first line that brought up the heat. The summer heat, yes, is also an element in their story as Niki meets Rinne in the summer.)

"So why don't you just..." (Kohaku & Niki) "Take it off."(All)

There are 2 meanings in these lines:

Firstly, the real meaning. It is hot, and they want to take off their close. Like, literally. Because the word "nugi" in the second line "Nugi sutereba ii ya" is this "脱ぎ" and it alone means: "Take off your clothes".

Secondly, "take it off" also mean "become naked". And no, I'm not saying naked the other way, is the mental way. Being naked is being all out, no more hiding, be yourself, and telling the truth, never the lies. It may be embarrassing as much as you're naked in a physical way because us human don't always speak what we thinks.

And who hide their real self a lot? Rinne.

Niki may not always do as he likes, but he never acts highly to hide his true self. BUT Ya know who is? Rinne, Rinne, Rinne~!

"And reveal everything" (HIMERU line)

Now, I want you to imagine the summer heat. Like, you are lying in your room, trying to find every way to defeat this heat that burns you from top to bottom.

How do you feel? Madness drive, frustration hit. You just get all tired without even getting your body to do any hard work.

You're just a little mad burning meat, and at that moment you just F*CK IT! Then take it all out, and say: "Because it hot out here!"

So, this and the "nugi" line put together is about Rinne just admitting it all to Niki. Like, they be lying somewhere on the flood in the summer, can't get the fan to work then Rinne just starts blasting out all his frustration because he can't take it anymore.

It is not just the heat, is the timing, is the moment. When Rinne finally got to talk about it, before that, there was no one that actually listen to him in the way that he wanted to.

Hiiro is still young, he was raised to protect Rinne, so it is still hard for him to understand Rinne's words.

The people there can't really understand it either, they only care for his bravery, king-like version.

The only person that he can rely on is this stranger that had now shown strong impact on his life, as he feels comfortable enough to be with.

But at the end, Rinne just stops: "Oh sh^t, maybe I should stop, I'm talking too much about such things that may revealed my truth self, I should stop now before too late." Then laughed it off as if it was just all a joke: "Nah, that's just because I'm hot! It getting hotter in here, enough to drive me crazy!"

At every vents he ever tells Niki, he just ends it up with a: "Just joking." To the point that Niki thought when Rinne actually told the truth, he was joking all along.

"It'll all be over in an instant (SO HOT!)" (All) "Like a mirage" (Kohaku line) "That's (DIVE) why (LIVE!) I want it." (All)

"Unforgettable time" (Niki line)

"WITH YOU!" (All)

To Niki, all the honest that Rinne have been was never a bad things. Even if export all his lies he had ever told Niki, Niki has nothing more then joy and love for him.

He’s happy for Rinne to be who he really is, either a mighty monarch or just some random guy who living rent free in his house, Rinne is Rinne, to Niki, already knew who he’s truthly is, so when Rinne just vent all that out, Niki don’t hate it.

Niki was happy to be the one Rinne can relied on, his first friend, first partner, someone to keep him company ever since his parent gone abroad.

All that frustrating moments under the heat of summer turn into an enjoyable time that are hard to forget.

"It's not the time to play games"(Kohaku line)

"The sun was shining so badly" (HIMERU line)

"That made my head go crazy" (Niki line)

"How it is like that?" (Rinne line)

"WHAT'S GOING ON?" (All)

Once again, the heat is taking over. As Rinne started to get confused about how much did he keep sticking on to Niki and Niki also wonder about how much Rinne impact his life more and more.

It also feel like Niki is panicking through the lines, complain that it is getting way too hot, and can't no longer be patient with Rinne brutal ways of acting.

Just slit it out you dummy! I'm having enough with ya keep hiding your real emotions like that!

Even if you're dead by the heat yet you still wanna hide it in?

"What you want to say" (HIMERU line)

"If you don't have the courage." (Niki line) "You won't be able to say it." (HIMERU & Niki)

It seems like there are confessions that Niki or Rinne want to make to each other.

Niki want to tell Rinne how much he had made his life turn brighter than it should be. Keeping Niki company through the loneliness.

While Rinne also wants to tell Niki about how much he loves to be with Niki. The silly chef who left him nothing but love and joy.

But they are scared that the other can't seem to understand how much they feel just by saying: "I love you."

Is that enough to make Niki believe that he loves him?

Will Rinne continue to stay here if he finally finds a place of his own. ?

But if I don't tell them now, when will another change come by?

None of them have the courage, but still, they're trying to show each other by action.

Rinne made Niki an idol, so he could shine like the sun, and maybe he'll start to realize how much he matters to others.

Niki follows Rinne on his journey to become an idol because Niki is the only one who truly understands him. He was scared that people only see the bad part, and with that came Rinne's action of never wanting to back down or accept his true self, Niki wanted to be there to help him out.

"Toward the sea" (Rinne line)

"With momentum" (Kohaku & Rinne) "Let's jump into it" (All)

This is the moment when all that heat is gone away, and they finally grab the freedom they want.

They no longer suffer under the heat of summer, under the pressure made by their own mind.

The moment they stay on that stage, the moment Rinne's wishes come true.

"Unless you blame the hot summer (SO HOT)" (All) "Highest temperature doesn't mean anything" (All)

Niki realizes Rinne still had his problem keeping it secret, now trying to get him to slit it out.

This is not that summer day anymore, the fan isn't broken, and there is no other time better than this moment to talk about your problem, but if you decide to stay silent, I know you'll blame it on the heat of summer.

"Let’s enjoy ourselves without hesitation (NON STOP!)" (All)

Note: There is also another version of this line that is being translated like this: "Don't be afraid to have fun (NON STOP!)" (One are from youtube: Honeycomb Summer (YB) and another is on Tumblr: Honeycomb Summer (TB) )

Niki told Rinne to stop being stressed out and just go! Enjoy! Isn't this what you always wanted? What to be afraid about?

"In intervals way that surprise me and you. If we follow each other. Let's share more ( DIVE LIVE!)" (All)

Sorry, but, once again, I have to, I'VE TO PUT THE OTHER VERSION ON!

"Oh, a moment with you (So hot!) It’s so fleeting Let’s share more (Dive live!)"

Rinne was like, yeah, maybe you're right... there's nothing to be afraid of as long as you're by my side.

"Let’s blame it on the sweltering summer (Dive, Now!)' "We don’t need to be so considerate anymore" "Show it all off! / Just let it all out (Oh yeah!)" "It’s over in an instant (So hot!) I want to be with you" "It’s like piercing through the blue (Dive live!) An unforgettable moment(WITH YOU!)" (All)

There is no word needed. Just read these lines and you already know what going on.

Let's keep it short, Niki and Rinne want to be together in the summer. Even if it's hot like hell, even if they're going crazy. Rinne might say something silly again, and the person that Rinne wants them to listen to his ramble will always be Niki.

"Cause I’m Crazy Bee, that’s just my nature"

Cuz, Niki now in a team of crazy bastards, a team that doesn't hold back, so Niki himself has to be brave, change, and adapt to the new environment.

"A sweet memory, like a honeycomb" "It’s okay to be greedy"

Niki wants to be with Rinne and the rest of Crazy:B but he scared that he might cause them trouble, Rinne was there, tells him that it ok, if any trouble, just let me and the others know, maybe we can lean you a hand.

"Let’s take it all with us" "Come here!"

Come here! Stay together, no boys got left out!

That ITTTTTTTTT, THANK YOU FOR READINGGGGG!

Also, here are some screenshots of the event that I want to share with you! Really worth my dia after all:

That it~ That all~ RinNiki~ Thank you for coming and reading this long ass post.

It's a funny coincidence that I'm writing this at noon, IT HOT AS HELL HERE! The fan just not fanning so it BURN. But since I won't have enough time if I start writing this post in the afternoon so... it's my fault to blame. ( I wasted 2 days to make this post, all in the noon. My mind has now gone crazy and bees are flying circles over my head )

But anyway, just wanna say, thank you thank you, ILY~

[aeoki]

HOLISTIC HOLIC - Epilogue 1

Characters: Hiiro, Aira, Mayoi & Tatsumi

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ< A few days later. “HOLIC” concert venue. >

Mayoi: The vibes of the venue sure are amazing… It’s an abandoned hospital, isn’t it?

Tatsumi: Yes. It’s a stage set up to look like a hospital, to be precise.

The parts were things created for this year’s Halloween events, so I’m just borrowing it for the concert.

Hiiro: Come to think of it, you said there was a place you had in mind where you wanted to hold the concert for “HOLIC”, right?

Was there a reason why you wanted to hold it here of all places?

It seems pretty eerie if you’re just wanting to thank the hospital staff.

Tatsumi: Right. Aira-san said before that he wanted the concert to be something exciting like “ES Halloween”, didn't he?

Because of that, our new song turned out to be one which makes people think of Halloween.

But the word Halloween is originally derived from “All Hallow’s Eve” – it’s the evening before All Hallow’s Day and dedicated to remember the saints.

Previously at Reimei, I was called a “saint” and was treated as such by some people.

I once shouldered all those expectations of me and ended up in an unexpected accident that caused me to lose everything…

That was the beginning of the story of my death and rebirth.

So even though this abandoned hospital stage is also used for Halloween, it’s also a symbol for my “rebirth”.

Somewhere along the way, “All Hallow’s Eve” turned into “Halloween” – a completely different event – so in some people’s eyes, it can also be viewed as a story of rebirth.

Aira: Ahaha… Tattsun-senpai, sometimes your thinking is a bit too complicated for me.

But this will be a “ES Halloween” for all those people watching from the hospital, right?

That sounds so lovely ♪

Tatsumi: A halloween just for those patients, hm…?

Aira-san, that’s a great way of thinking.

Also, Mayoi-san and Hiiro-san, I must thank you for everything you’ve done for me.

I can be too serious at times, so I can end up quite stiff and rigid.

But I’m blessed to be surrounded by sympathetic people who can understand me inside and out.

Mayoi: N–No, I didn’t do anything at all… 

On the other hand, Hiiro-san and Aira-san continued to provide you with suggestions and you considered those suggestions, so that’s amazing in itself…!

Hiiro: Hehe. You don’t need to be so humble, Mayoi-senpai.

You really guided us for the performance. You turned it from something abstract into something realistic.

Aira also knows a lot about idols, so he had so many great ideas. It was just a case of having the right people for the right job, right?

Aira: Ehehe. You can leave all idol-related matters to me!

I’m a member of “ALKALOID” and a true-blue idol otaku at the same time after all ☆

Hiiro: Indeed. Thank you so much, Aira!

Aira: Hm, it kinda annoys me when I hear other people saying that about me.

Hiiro: Did that count as an insult? It’s so hard to tell…

Tatsumi: Hehe. I see you two are getting along as fine as ever.

Aira-san is great at planning, Mayoi-san supports everyone while Hiiro-san leads and guides us all…

It sounds like a unit that was put together with office employees in mind – all the pieces of the puzzle fit together nicely.

It’s like an encounter God had organised – a fateful encounter indeed ♪

Oh… it’s almost time for the concert to begin.

I have one final request before we start.

I’m not good at relying on others, so I’d like to practise relying on other people, but would it be alright if I ask you all to be my practice partners?

I learnt something after this project. I cannot say I have completely changed after my past injury.

I still brood over my issues on my own and cannot easily rely and ask others for help.

However, just as you all are growing ever so steadily, I too thought I must learn from my mistakes.

Hiiro: Of course that’s fine, Tatsumi-senpai.

We’re still in the midst of growing and maturing.

But that’s not a bad thing. We’re going to become something even bigger in the future.

Even if we cry over an injury or experience a huge setback, as long as our will doesn’t waver, then we can get back up over and over again – being reborn in the process.

I think you’re already living proof of that, Tatsumi-senpai.

As we get more experiences, we’ll grow into a stronger and kinder unit.

Our concert today marks our very first step towards that.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂  Next Chapter →

[toujokaname]

Footprints of Happiness / Episode 2

Author: Yuumasu

Characters: Tori, Mitsuru, Shinobu, Aira

"I became an idol because I admired Eichi-sama. Even if it's just a single person, I hope I can become someone's inspiration too...♪"

← Previous ✧ Directory

Season: Autumn Location: Connecting Corridor

Tori: Hey, Anzu, how are everyone else's candids like?

Can you show me the pictures you've taken so far? Thanks.

...Huh, everyone has their own unique look. It's impressive how their individuality comes through so strongly.

I was only thinking about the performance, but I guess I need to consider the type of pictures I want to present too. Ugh~

...Huh? You're saying I don't need to overthink it?

I see. When I'm worried, it shows on my face, and it won't look like a candid. Yeah, I'll try to be natural.

Mitsuru: ...He~ey!

Tori: Ah, Mitsuru came running.

What's up? You need something from us?

Mitsuru: Nah! I don't have any business here, but since I spotted you two, I came over this way!

I'm so lucky to meet Anzu-neechan! What're you doing with Hime-chan?

...A photoshoot for a pamphlet? That's why you're wearing an expensive camera around your neck? Makes sense!

I want my picture taken too! Hime-chan, let's pose side by side! Peace, peace! ☆

Tori: Peace, peace...♪

I mean, hey! It's not that kind of picture.

It's for my solo live—a "Feature Live".

Mitsuru: Solo? Then it'd be bad for me to interrupt you, bye-bye!

Tori: Ah, yeah... Bye-bye...?

...He's gone. In the past, he would've said something like "Let's dash together, daze! ☆" and dragged me away.

He's a second-year now. I guess he's matured in his own way.

Well, I'm still the more mature one, though~♪

Location: Yumenosaki Academy Grower Barn

Tori: ...Oh, look. There's Shinobu.

Shinobu: Hey there! Tori-kun and Anzu-dono, what a coincidence to meet you here of all places, de gozaru!

Tori: Same to you. Why are you in the rabbit hutch? Is it like some kind of hidden village?

Shinobu: Waah, I didn't expect that kind of idea! A hidden village... Fufun, my ninja blood is stirring, de gozaru ♪

At any rate, as you can see, this is the animal enclosure. While interacting with the animals, I'm doing a bit of cleaning too.

Tori: Hmm... Ah, I just thought of a good idea.

Isn't the sight of the cute me taking care of cute animals the cutest thing ever?

You were thinking the same thing, Anzu? We're on the same wavelength~

Shinobu, let me clean up too.

Shinobu: Understood. I've already taken care of the parrots, so I shall ask you to take care of the chickens.

Tori: Okay~ ...Anzu, what's up? "There's a manual there, we should skim through it"?

No need! Just change the food and water and sweep with a broom, right? Piece of cake ♪

...Umyah?!

A chicken's on my back! And this one's pecking at my leg!

Help me~! Shinobu~! Anzu~!

Shinobu: Ohh, what a passionate reception, de gozaru...

Well then, I shall take that side, and you take care of the rabbits.

Tori: Y-Yeah... The rabbit hutch is almost cleaned out. What do I have to do?

...Brushing? Do I just brush their fur with this?

Okay, I'll try. Hehe, you're squinting your eyes all comfortable...

You should be honored to have me brush your hair...♪

Ten minutes later.

Shinobu: Thanks to Tori-kun, the animal shelter has become sparkling clean, de gozaru! I'm terribly thankful, I shall shower you with my gratitude ♪

Tori: But didn't you do most of the work, Shinobu? All I did was deal with the rabbits.

But, if I was of even just a little help, I'm glad. Anzu's happy with the good photos too.

Hm? I hear cheering... Something's going on nearby. Let's go, Anzu.

Location: Yumenosaki Academy Outdoor Stage

Tori: This crowd... Ah, it's for an "S3". Now that I think about it, I vaguely recall the proposal.

I've been reading them all. They come in so frequently, it's hard to remember each one.

What is it, Anzu? "I see a familiar face"... Ah, it's true.

Hey, Shiratori.

Aira: Oh, hello~ Did you come to see the DreFes too, Himemiya-senpai?

Tori: No, Anzu and I are...

(Huh? Anzu left.)

(Oh well. She wouldn't leave me behind, surely she'll come back eventually.)

Aira: What about Anzu-san?

Tori: It's nothing. I don't know anything about this DreFes, is there a specific idol you're interested in?

Aira: Yes! There's actually a unit I've been secretly keeping an eye on.

They're not well-known yet, but they consist of only third-years.

Tori: Huh... Now that you mention it, it's full of first-year students here.

(Everyone's eyes are shining, waiting eagerly for the live to start.)

(...It's just like how I used to be, looking up to Eichi-sama's singing and dancing on stage.)

......

Ah, Anzu, where were you? You're already hard to track, so don't just disappear suddenly, okay?

...A cyalume? You want me to evaluate them?

Sure, but I won't just wave it around so easily. I'm not lenient, y'know.

After a while, at the end of the DreFes.

Tori: Are the results announced yet... W-Well, it's not like I'm looking forward to it or anything, alright?

I'm just curious to see if the unit I waved my cyalume for won... Just a little...

Hey, can I tell you something? I was thinking about my solo live while watching the DreFes.

I haven't figured out all the details yet, but I want to make it a performance that becomes a goal for anyone who sees it.

Kids like the ones I met at Yumenosaki Academy and ES... I want the idols that I used to ignore to like me.

But I don't know what exactly to do... Will you think about it with me?

...Ehehe. Thanks. I knew you'd say that, Anzu.

I became an idol because I admired Eichi-sama. Even if it's just a single person, I hope I can become someone's inspiration too...♪

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[mainstoryarchive]

Underachievers - 3: Gospel

Tatsumi: Fufu. Excuse me. It seems I’ve surprised you.

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Location: Meeting room, StarPro

Tatsumi: Fufu. Excuse me. It seems I’ve surprised you.

It appears I have a bad sense of timing.

Hiiro: ​(…? How curious. At first glance he appears to just have a calm demeanor, but in reality he doesn't show any weak spots! I wonder if he’s ​some kind of martial art master?)

Tatsumi: ? What could be the matter, dear sir? …Is there something wrong with my face?

Hiiro: No, I think your face is uncloudy and well-proportioned. By the way, I am called "Amagi Hiiro" not "sir". Nice to meet you. Let's become friends.

Tatsumi: Hm? I don't understand, however I'll happily accept that offer.

Fufu. No matter how old one gets, to be able to make new friends is a thing to be grateful about.

Let us thank God for having let us meet.

Aira: Can you not have such a weird conversation and explain about this situation instead… I've been getting left in the dust for a while now.

Wait. Huh, could you be—

Could you be Kazehaya Tatsumi?

Hiiro: Nay! As I've said many times, my name is Amagi Hiiro!

Aira: No one is talking about you, Hiro-kun! Not you, the person over here…

Tatsumi: Indeed. As you have said, my name is Kazehaya Tatsumi. So you were aware of my name, how unexpected…

I've been hospitalized for quite a while and as such my activity as an idol has been on quite the long break after all.

So there are people who still remember. I'm grateful.

Aira: There's no way I could forget!

Kazehaya Tatsumi is known for his legend of being hailed as the number one idol produced by CosPro's idol training facilities before 'Eden' came around!

Aira: Uwaah, it's an honor to meet you♪ You said you were hospitalized? Is that the reason why you haven't appeared in public for some time?

I want to know the details, it's intriguing! Ra-vely!

Ah, but before that… Please sign something for me…☆

Hiiro: Hmm. Your reaction to his and my introduction is clearly different, it's somehow strangely vexing.

However, I'm more so confused by the many strange words you just used. What's an edden? Whatever could cosupro mean? Is it something well-known in the city?

Tatsumi: I wonder… I was hospitalized in an area that was almost wholly isolated from the rest of the world. As such I am quite unaware of the state of the world. You could call me Urashima Tarou—[1]

I'd actually rather like someone who is more knowledgeable to teach me about this and that. Umm, you… what's your name?

Hiiro: Understood. His name is Shiratori Aira! He is my friend!

Tatsumi: Fufu, is that so. I've memorized it. As karma wills it, you have remembered my name and so I swear I will never forget yours.

Aira: Hey… Hiro-kun, you and I first met today, could you not introduce me like we've been best friends for a decade. Kazehaya-senpai ​will misunderstand.

Tatsumi: You can just call me Tatsumi. Hm… I surmised you had a good relationship from how neither of you holds back, however it seems the both of you have only met recently?

That aside I wonder why we were all gathered here?

How peculiar. I wonder just why three complete strangers were gathered here together.

Aira: Huh, Kazehaya—…Tatsumi-senpai, could it be that you're unrelated to the summon we got? Did you just happen to be walking by?

Tatsumi: No, that is not the case. I was also abruptly called upon and was quite bewildered because of it.

Regardless; I did obey because the letter I received held some—frightening contents. It told me that if I were to ignore this summons, a befitting punishment would be given.

To be completely honest, I do not have any idea what is happening.

Aira: R-really? Then we're all the same! But that's weird, because senpai, unlike myself, is an excellent idol.

Tatsumi: That's already in the past. A past that has most likely been interpreted only in good ways and glorified.

From back when CosPro's affiliated schools have been doing flashy promotions. You could say that they have the tendency to make smoke where there isn't even fire.

At this point I'm just a relic of the past. I'm nothing less than a wandering traveler, who has lost his place after being away from the mundane world for too long.

Aira: You're just being modest~ A bird is a bird no matter how low it falls. For someone like me, who crawls over the ground, you are like a person above the clouds♪

And that's exactly why this is weird.

Hmm… I thought they were gathering a bunch of failures so they could fire us all at once… But even if he's been on a long hiatus, there's no way they would let go of that Kazehaya Tatsumi…

ES has been doing well, but it has only been a little while since it's been established. They should want as much fighting power as they can get.

Hiiro: You two, hold your breath for a bit.

Aira: ? What's up, Hiro-kun?

Hiiro: I can hear footsteps.

No, What could this be? I can feel an ominous presence!

[ ☆ ]

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1. Urashima Tarou

[yandere-daze]

PQFJSOFJSODK HAVE YOU SEEN THE TRAP FOR YOU MV? YEAH IMAGINE THE IDOL PLAYER IN THAT LIKE, SINGING THAT W THEIR FAV OR SKMETHING LIKE THAT OWJFOSJRD I- GOD LFEJFOWJFOWJFLEJ

Fun fact, I actually have two separate anons in my inbox that sent in something about Trap for You (understandable) at around the same time so I hope I managed to pick out your asks correctly! Please do tell me if I accidentally picked an ask that wasn´t sent by you in there!

You can indeed by airabu anon, it´s not taken yet ^^ ( Also side note but for the past two days I´ve been thinking about a yandere Aira so there might be something coming along those lines)

DON´T WORRY THOUGH!! I understood what you were trying to say in the first ask no problem☺️

gn reader

tw yandere

Idol! Player singing and performing Trap for You with their favorite character

That´s such a good and valid idea though. Like you´ve already gotten pretty popular as an idol and you thought that it might be a good idea to pull a stunt like that to gain even more fans ( and of course to make the idol in question very flustered)

Imagine all the idols standing in line to try and get a chance to perform that song with you once they catch wind of you wanting to do that, only to be disappointed because you´ve already decided on the person you want to sing the song with from the very beginning.

They´ve all wanted to have a live concert with you since forever and have begged you to collaborate with them but now the competition is even more serious. I mean, there´s at least one kiss live on stage with you included in the performance! And the way you would gently stroke their face so lovingly too? Oh, it sounds like absolute heaven! They all want to be close to you and this would be the perfect chance to act like a couple in front of thousands of fans. It would also get the public talking about the two of you as an official couple with various media outlets already theorizing that you might have been dating in secret behind the scenes all along.

It´s such a lovely thing to think about! But I think how well this goes would depend on the character in question.

Jun and Hiyori both feel kind of entitled to be performing Trap for You with you. I mean, it´s literally their song so it makes sure that they would be the ones singing it with you, right? They also already got all the moves down perfectly and don´t have to learn the lyrics either. It´s clearly the most logical conclusion, right?

And then there´s someone like Rinne that would not let go of you once after you leaned in for a kiss in the beginning. It doesn´t matter if you actually wanted to go for the kiss or just wanted to pretend you did, he´s going to pull you in and kiss you right on the lips as he wraps his arms around you. He kind of ruins the entire performance because he just boldly makes out with you on stage while the music goes on in the background. He just doesn´t care at all skjflbfl

[maximumcheese]

225. Treasure

Rinne: (Ah—)

(Off in that corner, out of sight, there’s a guest standing alone.)

(I think I’ve seen them somewhere before.)

(Ah, that’s right…That’s the guest who just happened to be passing by the stage that day.)

(I wonder if they were on their way home from shopping, carryin’ a paper bag or something.)

(At the time, Niki had already quit participating, and I was on my own and trying to make it, but I was on the decline, and there weren't many people there…)

(The venue, or rather, the park where we just set up the stage, was just this rinky-dink place, and when I sang, I was frowned upon by parents and their children who seemed to think I was being too loud.)

(But. You always looked at me the whole time, and listened to me sing.)

(After I was done, you clapped, and you made up your mind to present to me your paper bag…)

(I was already tired and wanted to hurry up and get home, so I signed it carelessly without checking your intentions.)

(You bowed your head so many times that I felt sorry for you, and then left, looking very impressed.)

(...After that, I got a letter.)

(The letter wasn’t from you, but your parents.)

(Apparently, you were born a weak-willed kid that couldn’t speak, couldn’t write, and was unable to assert your will.)

(But, you became my fan. You listened to my song, and liked it. And that signed paper bag, you displayed it like it was your precious, precious thing.)

("Since that day, my daughter has gotten a little more cheerful. She started to laugh a lot, thanks to you," the letter said.)

(Ah, I’m glad, you’re looking well, aren't cha? O~nce in a while, you’ve come to see me on stage since then, huh.)

(After a while, you stopped coming, just like the rest of them, but—)

(Ah, somehow, you took your little kid with you. A kid who looks a lot like you. Since you’ve got a kid, you’ve gotten too busy to come see idol performances, huh?)

(I see. I see, I’m glad—You look real happy, don’tcha?)

(I’m sorry. I thought you were like the others, I thought that you just didn’t like me anymore…)

(That you thought I was ‘wrong’, that you lost interest, that you had just forgotten about me.)

(Do you remember me?)

(Do you still like me, even just a little?)

(After all—Hey, that paper bag!)

……

Aira: …I just knew there was always going to be that one fan who'd be rooting for you the whole way.

Rinne: ……

Aira: Fans who’ve known you since your debut, and even if they didn't know you back in the day, they liked you, and still supported you… Even now. Absolutely. 

I've been a hardcore idol otaku for a long time, so I get it.

No matter what kind of idol you are, even if it's just a little bit, even if it's just to a different degree—There’s always a fan out there somewhere.

With that in mind, I looked for them.

Even if Crazy:B is hated by everyone in ES, there are people like us Alkaloid who will support you and want to help you.

I thought it was the same for the fans, and I assumed those fans would help Alkaloid in our support.

We declared that we wanted to save you guys, you know?

Surprisingly, I found a lot more than I expected.

They may have sympathized with Crazy:B’s, with your complaints, or they may have simply liked your songs or your faces—

The reasons for liking you may vary, but there were definitely people who liked you and supported you guys.

There’s really a lot of them here, I’m really quite surprised.

Well, you can see that, can't you? You can see them shaking their lightsticks and cheering in time with the Crazy:B's movements, right?

Of course. They’re yours, they’re your fans from the past.

I talked to them to make sure that even though you’ve changed but—Even now, they’re rooting for you, and they’ll always be your fans.

Rinne: ……

Aira: The ones that send fan letters aren’t your only true fans.

Just ‘cause you go ahead and define for yourself what a true fan is, doesn’t mean you can give up and despair that no one loves you.

That’s just disrespectful towards the ones that do still love you.

Everything you did this summer, everything like that, hurt the people wanted you the most.

I know it's a bit presumptuous for me to speak on behalf of the fans, but you need to understand that, reflect on it, and apologize.

Rinne: ……

Aira: And then. Heal them as much as you hurt them, make them laugh for as much as you made them cry.

Make them love you for as much hate as you gave—Killing you won't solve anything, it won't make up for anything.

If you're an idol, you don't need a pompous looking junior like me to tell you that—You should already know that yourself.

…That’s all. By the way, because Alkaloid will definitely save Crazy:B, I told e~veryone to trust and support us.

Because I think everyone believed in that, everyone already gave us a ‘like’ in the first half.

Don’t quit, idol. Aside from just me, don’t make your precious, precious little brother into a liar.

Rinne: ……

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[mephinomaly]

[TL] Memories of a Doll/Chapter 5

Time: 1 hour later

Mitsuru: Whoopie~! I scored a bunch of awesome deals~!

Second-hand clothes, accessories, and this cup too! I’m suuuuper happy with everything I got~☆

Aira: I’m happy to hear that, Tenma-senpai.

I’m completely knackered from chasing after you but… I’m glad we had fun together.

Then, shall we start to head back? We’ve left Otogari-senpai and Shino-senpai manning the stall for a while now, so we have to go.

Mitsuru: Eh, is that okay? Ai-chan only came here to shop, so are you sure you want to leave already?

Aira: Ahaha. Either way, I’m having fun too. I’m here already, so please let me lend a hand.

Mitsuru: Okay! C’mon, let’s go back~♪ Nyoom~☆

Aira: W-wait up! Tenma-senpai~!

Mitsuru: Ai-cha~n, hurry hurry!

I think someone just bought my shoes! They must have the same build as me, and do track-and-field too!

Let’s go give my shoes a proper send off together~♪

Aira: Haa, haa…! It’s so hard to keep up with Tenma-senpai’s pace! My body’s gonna be all achy tomorrow…!

Adonis: Ah, Tenma and Shiratori. Are you back? Shino also returned a moment ago.

Hajime: Welcome back, Mitsuru-kun. You’ve got a lot of things, hm?

I’m glad you found lots of good items. It must be a real bother to carry them around, so I’ll put them behind our booth.

Mitsuru: Okay, thanks!

The shoes I put for sale have been sold, and I found soooo many things! Adochan-senpai told me about the flea market, and I’m happy he did ♪

Hajime: Fufu. Is that so? My items are selling well, so I’m glad I put them out.

It would be nice if someone could take home Otogari-senpai’s doll too.

Adonis: Ah, yes. We still have a lot of time. Let’s keep a close eye on it.

If possible, I want him to be sold soon…

Hajime: Speaking of which. Otogari-senpai, you look at that doll with a very worried expression. Is it an important memento?

If you’ve changed your mind, and would rather keep him, we can put him aside. If you’re worried, you don’t have to sell him, okay?

Aira: Exactly right. If you’re emotionally attached to this doll, then it’s okay to not put him up for sale, right?

I’ve also got some things I kinda regret getting rid of. Storing him in your closet is also a type of love.

Adonis: No. I want to sell this doll. I came here with that plan.

Anzu passed through here a few moments ago. They asked me about it, and now I’m thinking about talking about it.

I’m a little embarrassed, but will you listen to me?

Hajime: ...Of course.

Aira: ...Sure thing.

Adonis: To be honest, my mother bought this doll for me.

Mitsuru: Adochan-senpai’s mother? Ehhh, did ya beg her for it?

Adonis: Mhm. When I was younger, I saw my sisters playing with dolls, and I said I wanted to play too.

My sisters thought it weird that I wanted to play with dolls as a boy.

They wouldn’t let me play with their dolls, and told me to do more things like hunting and exercising, more manly things.

However, my mother was the only one who took what little me said seriously.

So my sisters would not call me strange for playing with dolls, my mother took the time to search for a boy one for me.

Aira: I see… Otogari-senpai also has that sort of past.

If I’m honest, I thought Otogari-senpai has been strong since he was little.

Adonis: My sisters are the strong ones. Even now, I am no match for them.

However, the person I was when I was younger, and the person I am now are different. I’ve grown now, so I no longer need this doll.

This now reminds me of the concept of animism. If a spirit resides in this doll too, I feel bad about leaving him covered in dust.

All I can do now is find his next owner.

This very flea market has given me another chance— I truly believe that.

Aira: … I can really tell that Otogari-senpai cares a lot about this doll!

Though, that’s a little forward of me, right?

I’m an otaku too, so I’ve always valued idol goods of those who I used to be a fan of…

Whether I have it or not, whether I forget how much I loved it at the time, those memories I love, they’ll never leave me.

I’m thinking how I could make this doll stand out more! I’m gonna make a really bright advert like that convenience store nearby!

Mitsuru: Yep yep! Adochan-senpai has done stuff for me, so I wanna help sell this doll too!

Adochan-senpai was the one who told me about the flea market, so I think my old clothes woulda remained in boxes if he hadn’t. This is me repaying him ♪

I’ll go around and invite people to check him out!

Adonis: Is that alright? You don’t have to do that much for me, Tenma and Shiratori… am I not simply dragging everyone into my remincising?

Hajime: Nope. Please don’t worry, Otogari-senpai.

Aoba-senpai took care of me when he was a member of the library committee. Otogari-senpai is relying on me, so I want to help you until the end.

Adonis: …Thank you. For helping me with everything.

I won’t give up either, so let’s find him a new home.

I want to respond to you guys' thoughts too.

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[tatsumology]

Newbies at Friendship

This story comes from Aira's 4* card from Yuta's Feature Scout!

Location: Saison Avenue

Aira: Fufu. I'm really happy that I finally get to hang out with you, Kohakucchi!

Kohaku: I promised ya, but time ticked past, I'm real sorry. As I let ya wait, let's make hay while the sun shines~♪

Aira: You don't have to apologize, just the fact that you remembered our promise is enough for me. You already seem super busy ‘cuz you’re doing double the amount of unit work.

I think it's been a very long time since I've gone out like this. Let's enjoy today♪

Kohaku: You're right. S'all well, but has it really been that long since you've gone out like this? Rabu-han's social an' all, surely ya've got alotta friends, right?

Aira: Yeah, if you’re talking about online... But not really in real life... I don't have a lot in common with the people around me, sooo~

That's why I'm really happy that even though I met you online, I'm also close to you in real life! Let's always be friends forever...♪

Kohaku: Kokoko♪ Ya make it sound like a farewell speech, y'know? We haven't even done anythin' yet.

Now, what did ya wanna do and where?

Aira: Right. I've looked up what to do online. This one site said it's fun to chat with a friend while you’re shopping!

Ah, we’ve already arrived while we were talking~ Alrighty, let's enter the shopping mall♪

Location: Shopping Mall 2F

Aira: Looks like this floor is full of clothing stores. Kohakucchi, do you have any brands you like?

Kohaku: Me? I only ever get dressed up for work, so I don't really know anythin' about specific brands.

...Ah, but that shop looks neat. Like this jersey, it suits ya, don'cha think?

Aira: Wow, the dragon on the back looks so cool♪ If I wear this, I might get a cooler image! I wonder how much it cos—

Hyaa! No way I have enough money for this!

Kohaku: Yeah, this shirt with a carp I wanted ta buy costs a ton too. Makes my eyeballs fall right out. Guess we hafta give up.

Aira: Yeah... But I'm glad I know what kinda clothes you like now. I'll keep it in mind next time I buy you a present~♪

Let's go down the escalator... Righty, what stores should we go to next?

Kohaku: Yer righ... huh? What's this strange store?

Aira: A strange store?

Kohaku: Look over there. It's a shop plastered with idol photos.

Aira: ...Ah, an idol shop! It's a shop that sells tons of idol merch.

I used to go there a lot, but.. Unsurprisingly, once we started getting more idol work, I couldn't really do that anymore...

Kohaku: Hmm. It already looks like a tiny shop. If us idols would go ta a place where idol fans gather... we'd prolly cause a ruckus, huh?

But I reckon it'll be fine if we enter jus' for today. It doesn't look like there's any customers right now.

Cause you looked like ya seriously wanted ta go in♪

Aira: R-Really? Well, if you say so...

(If I remember correctly, I think the Alkaloid merch should be somewhere around here... Oh, found it!)

(Waa, there's more than before! The shop assisant's handwritten pop-up is so ra-vely~!)

(Our merch wasn't selling at all when we first debuted, I seriously thought I was gonna cry back then.)

(That's why I was hesitating on checking the shop out. I dunno how I would've felt if I saw we still weren't selling again...)

(If Kohakucchi didn't encourage me, I would've avoided this store for a lot longer.)

(Fufufu. It really ''is'' great to have friends♪)

Kohaku: Hey, Rabu-han, what's in these silver packets? I tried ta check, but I can't get a fix of it at all.

Aira: Ah, I was already planning on buying those! They're random button pins. I'm sooo excited to see which design I'll get!

This store sells them in boxes too, and this particular brand has 60 badges in one box.

The only way to get every badge is to buy the box, but since there are only twenty different designs, I'm pretty sure a bunch of them will be the same design.

I should be able to complete the set if I keep buying packets until I get all of them, so maybe I shouldn't go for the box deal...?

Kohaku: Until ya get all of 'em...? That almost feels like gamblin’. I feel like I've heard Rinne-han sayin' the same thing before.

Aira: It'll be fine. When I get all of them, my wallet’s pain will be nothing compared to how happy I’ll feel...☆

Kohaku: Ain't that way of thinkin' sorta dangerous?

In any case. Now that we're in an idol shop an' all, I think I'll try an' buy one. Are ya gonna buy a whole box, Rabu-han?

Aira: Ehm... Nah, I'll also just buy one packet.

These have just been released recently, so I'll see if I wanna buy a box later.

It's been so long since I last breathed in the air inside an idol shop, this is sooo nice...♪

O-oh, I'm so sorry! We're finally hanging out in a nice place, but all I've been doing is dragging you along with my hobbies...

Kohaku: It's okay. I just told ya, didn't I? Today I'm gonna spend time with ya to the fullest.

Seein’ yer expressions change in a flash is entertainin'. I'm enjoyin' this in my own way, so don't worry about it, alright?

We've talked about alotta stuff online, but I still don't feel like we’ve gotten ta talk enough in person. Could ya teach me more about yer "ra-vely" things, Rabu-han?

Aira: Kohakucchi...♪ Then what about a collab cafe? The idols I stan are doing a collaboration now.

We could probably get into one almost right away if we go now. I'll check if we can book ourselves a spot online!

Kohaku: Buyin' goods, goin' ta cafes... So this is how fanboys spend their time, huh?

This'll be a great opportunity. I'll use ya as reference and try ta spend this time like I'm a fan too.

Aira: I've booked us a spot! It looks like we can enter right away.

You get a coaster when you order a drink. I hope I get one I haven't gotten before♪

Kohaku: Hollup... Don't tell me ''those ''are random too?!

Aira: Yep! There are ten kinds in total, so let's do our best to get them all! ♪

Proofreaders

JP:310mc

EN:Amagiiz

[grandieur]

A R I A N E

greetings from your self-proclaimed friend! first of all, i would like to send my apologies if my clingy tactics, unnecessary updates to you about fandoms or my life or my opinions, and my other song choices for your playlist, pissed you off somehow.

in addition, i am extending my sincerest excuses for sending this a link to this blog post six days after you turned eighteen and for giving you a highlighter and a colored pen as a gift. i know you, as a good friend of mine, deserved a better gift for your eighteenth but wait until i get a good-paying job and i’ll treat you to a coffee and other cute friendly things.\

in defense to the stationery materials, the yellow highlighter is cute okay. it reminds me of yoonjin, the eternal roommates ship for some reason. and the teal pen is kinda expensive for a regular colored pen, idk why it was overpriced but i gave it to you because millenial pink and teal colors are like your personalities.

now for the thanks! thank you for being there! i cannot even remember how our friendship started unlike that comfort room anecdote of you and aira (which is similar to how taehyung, the friendly idol, makes friends with other celebrities and humans in the restroom, for example: jang moonbok of p101). was it in ninth grade? eighth grade? my mind is testing me. all i know is that one of the factors which made me interested with you is that we both (and josefina too) shared feelings for that guy we should leave unnamed. gohd, i was gushing when i learned your backstory in preschool and that you share the same birthdate and that aaahhhh. we were bitter i know but that bitterness is the coffee our friendship needed for it to be awaken.

and in tenth grade, i learned about you liking seokjin the way i did?! and i kept on teasing you and claiming he was mine (i was such a possessive fan before and thinking about it now makes me want to vomit) every time you visit the smc classroom. and that you gave me printed photos of me, sigh, i still have them to date. when i knew we shared a same bias, i wondered what’s with our somewhat similar guy preferences lol but that was in the past, because im a queer now and i myself don’t know what i like. also for the books i borrowed! i recall borrowing from you at least once or was it vice versa but still thank you!

now senior high arrived and we transferred to the same school and every time i see you, it was mandatory on my part to either call your name or wave at you or chat with you, or all. then in second semester, you became classmates with my ex-crush and ohgod i don’t want to backtrack on my messages to you because i sound like a pesky wasp inquiring how he is. his looks are gold but nope, past is past.

the epilogue too! oh wow, can you believe we both saw our faves for the first time at the same time? in the same lower box section (but separate seats, which sucks somehow)? i really am grateful for sharing 160730 with you. and also 170506, when i called you for awake and i cried on the phone because seokjin makes me a crybaby. sorry if you didn’t hear him clearly due to my tears but okay, maybe i should send you a copy of jian’s (not mine, because i gave her my camera to shoot the fancam because i went front to call you and cry at his presence and vocals and visuals and lyrics and song) fancam to make up.

i would also like to mention how thankful i am for the spotify playlist. it was like stamping a tradition on our friendship that will transcend schools, and careers. we share too much on our music preferences and i’m happy to gush to someone about an artist most of my peers know nothing about. and for liking my retweets or tweets on my personal twitter. i don’t receive clout so when there’s a notification of someone liking my re/tweets, i smile sometimes.

thank you for everything that has been, kim ariane. me denouncing the fact that you are one of the best people i have met is like me denying that kim seokjin is worldwide handsome. what a joke. your presence in my life is honestly magnificent. our poem to you is real, your presence in our lives really makes our times worthwhile. i don’t know how you do it but i thank the heavens for having a friend in you. that was cheesier than burger king’s four-cheese whopper.

i hope your legality entails you to more happiness you deserve. and sure, more drinks too, but i strive to be that non-alcoholic sober friend in parties so yeah. more things to be cherished. more lifetime to immerse in. more success to achieve. more books to read. more albums and playlists and tracks to hear. more concerts to attend to. more poetry and literature to write. more movies and series to see.  more birthdays to spend. more coffee to drink. more food to taste. more persons to meet. more advocacies to fathom and stand with. more moments with your friends and family. more places to visit. more countries to fly to. more smiles to beam.

belated happiest birthday to you ariane! may the heavenly bodies shine brighter on your life.

[mainstoryarchive]

Underachievers - 9: Lunch

Tatsumi: Well then, one cheer for the formation of the legion of underachievers.

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Location: Staff Cafeteria

Ten or so minutes later

Tatsumi: Well then, one cheer for the formation of the legion of underachievers.

Hiiro: Cheers! I count myself a lucky man for having met all of you here today!

Aira: This surely isn’t anything to celebrate or feel lucky about—But, well, I suppose it is better than being thrust into a ravine all alone.

I’m still like, confused, and it feels like we’ve sunk into a very deep swamp, but…

It seems it’s not like there is no chance left for us to get back on our feet, so let’s work hard together, ‘kay?

Hiiro: Yes! My friend, let us work together to overcome hardships and, while we are, ruin idols!

Aira: I’m also still confused about the ‘ruining idols’ part…

But first, it’s already past noon so why don’t we have a talk over lunch?

As of now it seems most likely that we’ll be getting fired as is after all.

In which case, this is our last supper here. I’m gonna eat till I burst, I’m gonna get back every cent I spent.

Tatsumi: It’s a sin to overindulge, it’s bad for your health. However, Aira-san, you are still growing so I suppose you’re good to go.

Hiiro: Hm. I set foot inside here for the first time today, I wonder how you order a meal? Should I just shout loudly?

Aira: Don’t shout, that’d be embarrassing for all of us. Rather, you know you can use most of the facilities within the ES with your provided smartphone, right?

You can make reservations and process payments and the like with your device.

Well, it seemed like the both of you didn’t even know about HoldHands…

I’m pretty sure they made it so you can still order the old-fashioned way for analog people like yourselves.

You just look at the menu, call over a server and tell him what you want to eat.

Tatsumi: Hm… We’re in an age in which every single thing gets mechanized. It must be convenient if you get used to it, though.

I’m scared it’ll break with just a touch so I’ve left this sumart foon thing at home.

Hiiro: I don’t have any idea what this ‘smartphone’ is to start with!

Aira: Just how did the two of you survive in our modern society? I’m worried… These are the kind of people with whom I have to share the same destiny?

Well, whatever. It seems like I’m the only one with a smartphone on hand anyway…

It might be hard to see because of the small screen, but let’s look at the documents that were sent together.

Tatsumi: I will be inconveniencing you.

Hiiro: Thank you, Aira! You’re a great help! I’m truly glad you are here with us!

Aira: Don’t thank me for such a small thing… I mean, you can, but see, I’ve lived without receiving many words of thanks up till now.

Anyway, umm, this is the HoldHands app. It’s ES’s exclusive SNS—basically, it’s supposed to be used for ES idols to contact each other.

(Huh? I don't know when, but I’ve been entered in some kind of strange chatroom?)

(Did I catch some kind of virus? This is a custom-made, quality ES smartphone, it should automatically make it so that all suspicious sites are inaccessible…)

(What could this room name mean? Al… ka… loid?)

Tatsumi: What could be the matter, Aira-san? Did you come across peculiar parts in the aforementioned documents?

Aira: Ah, no, I hadn’t touched those yet… Wah, it’s downloading an amazing amount of data.

Tatsumi: Hm. Doun rood.

Aira: (Ah, that’s the face of someone who doesn’t get it. Kazehaya-senpai is bad with digital devices for real…)

(In turn, he looks like a surprisingly big doggie and it’s cute ♪ Ra-vely!)

Hiiro: Server! I would like to eat this thing called ‘hamburger’ as I haven’t ever eaten one before!

What kind of sauce I’d like? Well—As far as the composition table shows, it seems that except for stimulating the taste buds they would only be harmful to the body so, I would like only the meat with nothing added!

Aira: You’ve never had a hamburger… What hidden jungle did you come out of, Hiro-kun?

Hiiro: Fufu. I’m having fun because the city is so full of new things. What are you going to order, Aira?

Aira: Ah, I’ve already placed my order on HoldHands. Once you get used to it, placing an order normally feels bothersome.

After getting fired from ES, they’ll definitely confiscate my smartphone and my account will be forcibly removed from HoldHands…I need to hurry and get used to these normal things again, I can see hardship in my future.

Tatsumi: If the idea sounds so unpleasant to you, why not we struggle to not be fired. …A salad will suffice for me, no dressing please.

Hiiro: Hm? Vegetables are indeed healthy, but will your body hold up with just that?

Tatsumi: It should. My stomach has shrunk while being hospitalized however and from the start I’ve always had simple meals.

I should actually be increasing my calorie intake, if I don’t eat enough my wound will also heal slower.

Aira: Ahaha. You are an idol, after all, taking care of your physique and the like are necessary, so isn’t it fine like that? I tend to give in to my desires and end up snacking on sweets though.

Tatsumi: There is no sin in eating without overindulgence, your own body knows best what it needs. By going against what your body tells you, you’re doing more harm than good.

Aira: Hm… At any rate, the download is finally over. We’ve also ordered already so let’s take a look while we wait for the food to come.

From next time on, bring your smartphone with you and take a look on your own. It’s inconvenient not having a smartphone, isn’t it? You can’t properly use any of ES’ facilities without it as well.

Tatsumi: I will. However, to rejoice with what we’re given and use them to their fullest extent without wishing for much, to live life modestly, is surely what we desire most of all.

Aira: You aren’t using anything to their ‘fullest extent’, you left what was given to you at home… Not that I mind, at this point.

Alright. The file size data are really nothing to sneeze at but there properly is a concise synopsis so I’ll read that, okay?

…Even though we are the ‘underachievers’, they’re being quite courteous, preparing not only these well-written documents but even a synopsis.

Tatsumi: It indeed seems that they’ve put money as well as care into this. It could be that the predicament we have found ourselves in is just one part of a large conspiracy… Such is the unfounded suspicion I hold.

I suspect it might all be God’s scenario… in other words, destiny.

No, I must be overthinking it. It’s arrogant to believe yourself to be a special being, and a taboo to try to grasp God’s design of this world.

Aira: Kazehaya-senpai says an awful lot of stuff with ties to religion… Are you one of those?

Tatsumi: I am. My elderly home is a church, as such the Lord’s teachings are etched into my whole being.

Aira: I see. That makes sense. I really look up to such special family circumstances, my place is so normal that it’s boring after all.

Hiiro: Fufu. From my perspective, everything about everyone in the city including Aira is extraordinary and intriguing though.

There’s so much stimuli and new things that I almost feel lightheaded.

[ ☆ ]

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[aeoki]

Grand Slam - The Blood-Vomiting Beast: Chapter 6

Location: Yumeosaki Grounds (Sports Festival) Characters: Makoto, Hiiro, Aira & Tatsumi

Hiiro: Indeed. I’m grateful for the prepared lunch, but I also feel bad that you and the other upperclassmen went through the trouble to make it for us.

Tatsumi: No no, it’s all right. The “Old-Fashioned Sports Festival” is a competition between ES’ four big agencies. It’s every agency’s national policy for everyone to support their fellow members in person or in the background.

Aira: National policy? The agency isn’t a country.

Tatsumi: I couldn’t come up with a better word to describe it. It sounds a bit odd to call it a cause.

Aira: The alumni and students from the other schools are all here to cheer for the “Old-Fashioned Sports Festival”, huh.

It really feels like they’ve got all hands on deck… Geez, if we were to lose in front of all those people, it’ll be my responsibility, right?

Tatsumi: Winning means it’s everyone’s victory and losing means it’s everyone’s loss, Aira-san. …Hm?

Makoto: Umm~ Do you have a minute, Leader?

Aira: Huh? Ah, you mean me?

Makoto: Who else is there?

Sorry to intrude, but there’s something I want to talk to you about.

Aira: T-Talk to me about? What is it? I-I sure hope it’s something I have the answers for!

Makoto: You don’t have to be so scared~ But I guess it’s actually hard not to be, huh. It looks like a lot of the new students are scared of us.

They all see us as “Trickstar”, the top idol who dominated “SS”! ♪

A little while ago, we were just people at the bottom of the pyramid who didn’t have a thing to our name, though.

Aira: That’s true. From a fan’s point of view, “Trickstar” feels like a group that popped out of nowhere.

Makoto: Yeah. That’s why we don’t have any fans who have been supporting us from the very beginning. I think our fans have probably been increasing because of “SS” and stuff.

Instead of it being a temporary increase, we’ve gotta have it continue in the future too.

Oh, but enough about me.

Tatsumi: Fufu. You’re Makoto Yuuki from “Trickstar”, correct? Here, please help yourself to a lunch box.

Makoto: Whaa, thank you so much. Wow, it looks really fancy.

Tatsumi: Eichi-san paid for it, after all. It’s made with healthy and delicious ingredients.

Makoto: You get a lot of benefits when you’ve got someone rich close by, huh… Ehehe, I’ll dig in, then ♪

*Munch munch ♪*

Aira: (M-Makoto Yuuki-senpai from “Trickstar” is unexpectedly easy to get along with.)

(Surprisingly enough, I can’t feel any sorta aura from him. It feels like he’s just one of us normal people once he’s off-stage.)

(N-No, I can’t fall for his tricks. There’s no way he’s the same person as me. They’re all amazing idols, after all.)

Makoto: ……? Umm, about the thing I wanted to talk to you about.

Aira: Oh, yes. What is it? Did we do something bad…?

Makoto: It’s the opposite. I’m wondering if we’ve been too bold for the past few events.

Actually, we just got scolded by the “RYUUSEITAI” kids.

They said, “The leader of ‘Team Starpro’ is Shiratori-kun, but you guys are just ignoring his orders and doing whatever you want!”

Aira: Huh? No, it’s fine. You guys can do that!

If anything, it feels wrong of me to order people older than me around!

I can’t make the quickest decisions and they’re probably not very good, so it’ll only put me in a bind if you wait for me to come up with the decisions.

Makoto: Ahaha. Yeah. We’ve always been telling off Akehoshi-kun and Hidaka-kun since they tend to go rampant on their own.

But I would be at a complete loss if someone told me to be the leader of “Trickstar”. Normally, you can only make complaints because you’re in a comfortable position.

Aira: Y-You understand what I mean? I’m glad. That’s why, um, I’m happy the people from “RYUUSEITAI” got angry for me but, to be honest, they didn’t really need to.

I-I’m happy with the way things are, with my current position that’s somewhat comfortable.

I have no desire to take command as the leader. Stuff like that, I’d much rather prefer a, uh, capable person to take over.

Makoto: I see. Okay, I understand.

Aira: Phew… T-Then, I’m glad.

Makoto: But, you know. At a glance, it looks like everything’s going well for “Team StarPro”, but in my eyes, it’s just a bad gathering of people.

It’s mostly our fault, though. You could probably say “Trickstar” and “fine” are arch-enemies and we know “fine” doesn’t get along with the current students from “RYUUSEITAI” because of last year’s “Tanabata Fest”.

Things might be fine now, but there’s a big possibility we might all end up fighting with each other and split up into different pieces sooner or later.

That’s why, I’m really sorry but, right now, I hope you can use your position as leader for a little bit longer, Shiratori-kun.

No matter how much we fight, it’ll only take a word from you – our leader – for everyone to be understanding.

Everyone will follow what you say and we’ll be one team. It’s not like I’m asking you to show off your charisma or your leadership skills, though.

I’d just like it if you created an atmosphere which shouts, “Everyone must ultimately follow the leader’s orders.”

In the end, that’s what we need to win. It’s also so that we can have fond memories of the Sports Festival that only comes a few times in our lives and not let it be an event full of regret.

Aira: H-Huh? U-Umm? That’s too sudden and too much for me!

Makoto: Yeah. I know it’s hard. That’s why I’ve come up with a plan.

Aira: A plan…?

Makoto: Yeah. It’s a pretty cowardly tactic, but I’m thinking of putting on a performance that will make everyone come together as a team for you.

Aira: …………?

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