![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Tempest - Prologue
Location: ES (Exterior)
<April, on the way to ES>
Eichi: The wind is strong today, isn’t it, Wataru?
It seems that a spring storm is approaching. I’ll pray that these flowers called idols, which have blossomed on the soil that is ES, won’t be blown and scattered away.
Wataru: More importantly, please look, Eichi~! Look, look at my long hair: even this strong wind cannot dishevel it!
Fufufu, isn’t it an absolute mystery? There’s a secret trick to this, you see; in this world ruled by the laws of physics, there is an answer to every question—
Eichi: ……
Wataru: Now, feast your eyes! Watch how I’m able to sense the direction and strength of the wind and, at a speed too great to perceive, move my head against it!
This is a countermeasure I learnt from Hokuto’s mother at our theater venue. As actors, we must be prepared for when a production requires the use of fans, you see~?
“Now that you mention it, that’s true” — are you now thinking something along those lines?!
Eichi: ...Yeah, I am. You know, it feels like we’ve gotten closer, so I am happy that you’re showing me your true self — that you're no longer putting on a front…
But I want you to make me experience those things called “emotions” just a little more.
Wataru: But of course! Entrust this task to me! Your wish is my command, dearest!
Fufufu. Acting really has been becoming increasingly enjoyable lately. I never stop thinking up new techniques I could possibly employ.
Ah, Amazing! This world is truly overflowing with love and surprises!
Eichi: What are you saying, after all this time? My world is always full of such things, simply because you’re by my side.
Oh?
Tori: ......
Eichi: Tori. Why are you standing around here...? You’re normally so stylish, but now your hair is quite disorderly, like a stray cat’s — this isn’t like you at all.
I’ll fix it for you. There, there ♪
Tori: Eichi-sama...
Wataru: Be at ease, Himegimi! As a countermeasure against strong winds, I have extensively trained my neck! Using each and every one of my muscles, and employing all the techniques at my disposal, I shall transform into a human windbreak for you!
Look, please look at my gallant figure that doesn’t waver in even this spring storm! I shall protect your lovely hairstyle until the bitter end...☆
Tori: (ignoring him) ...Eichi-sama, the truth is... there’s something I wanna talk to you about.
Eichi: Yes, what is it? If you’re alright with me, I’ll listen to you anytime.
But if it’s okay with you, and if you think this will be a long discussion, I’d like to have it indoors. I’m not so weak as to collapse from being shaken around by the wind, but this strong gust is really getting to my back.
Unlike a certain someone, I don’t have enough muscle to blow away the wind.
Tori: ...That idiot has been getting even weirder lately — did something good happen to him?
Eichi: I wonder? Perhaps he’s like this simply because it’s spring… Well, if you want me to answer seriously, Wataru just finds the activities he’s been doing with his theater troupe to be unbearably interesting.
I have faith that he definitely won’t stop working as an idol…
But I really am a little jealous. I want to teach him more about how truly enjoyable being an idol is.
Tori: Fufu. You know, Eichi-sama... I bet that idiot Long Locks already feels like he's found the place where he can enjoy himself the most — the place where he belongs — just because you're here with him.
Anyways, this is something that’s kiiinda hard to say when Yuzuru’s around, so could I just tell you about it here real quick? It’s no big deal, but...
Wataru: Hmm, did you have a disagreement or such with Butler-san?
Tori: We’re not fighting or anything, but… How should I say this~? Lately, Yuzuru’s been a little weird.
He spaces out a lot, and at the mansion he dropped and broke a plate, which is super unlike him.
I keep spending all my time with him, so I thought maybe my jealous little sister set up a trap or something, but…
It looks like Yuzuru’s hand really did just slip.
Yuzuru’s always perfect! He doesn’t normally make those kinds of mistakes, so I’m worried about him.
But whenever I try to ask him if anything’s bothering him, all he does is give me vague answers.
Eichi: Hmm, that’s certainly odd.
Tori: Yeah… Lately, everyone in fine has been working separately, and we haven’t really gotten together much—
But you both work with Yuzuru pretty often, so I was thinking that maybe you'd know something about why he's been acting strangely.
That's why I lied and told him I was gonna practise with the tennis club today, then I just dashed over here.
This is Yuzuru we’re talking about, so he’ll probably realize I fibbed any moment now and come here to scold me; if you can think of anything, please tell me as quickly as you can.
Eichi: Hmm… All I’ve been doing lately is isolating myself to do paperwork — I need to ensure ES, which has only just been established, doesn’t stumble on its first step forward, after all.
I haven’t spoken to Yuzuru much, so I’m not sure why he’s behaving that way.
It would be most efficient to ask him directly, but I think he’s been trained to withstand even torture… Would he confess?
Wataru: Ahh, the answer has dawned upon me! This must be lovesickness!
Eichi: ...Huh?
Tori: Yuzuru’s… in love? No way— I mean, is that even possible?
Wataru: But of course! Although Butler-san is prone to speaking and behaving like a killing machine, in the end, he, too, is human.
He surely must have fallen in love before. Demons have set many traps in this world to tempt people onto the path of romance, after all.
Eichi: Hmm… Actually, upon thinking about the situation without any preconceptions, this does seem like lovesickness.
Love drives people mad, and it can even completely change them.
But I’ve never been in love before, so I can’t really think of a way to resolve such a problem.
Wataru: What? Are you seriously saying that? Eichi?
Yuzuru: Young Master~! Why did you lie to me?! Have you become obsessed with yet another questionable manga or game?!
As I have said countless times before, you need to finish your studies and your work properly before you—
Oh? What are you all doing, gathering like this? Are you secretly plotting something again?