Black Tea - 7

Location: Garden Terrace



<Around ten months later (one year ago, winter).>

Ritsu: (……)

(…Nnah. Looks like I fell asleep.)

(I had a dream that’s making me feel all nostalgic…)

(After that, Ecchan made good on his word; he really did create the “Tea Club”. And I became a member, giving him my signature and seal.)

(Well, that makes it sound like it was a big deal, but... The Tea Club was really chill — it was just a club in name. We didn’t even do any proper activities we’d be able to brag about.)

(We gathered every now and then, drank tea together, and that was it.)

(Back then, we didn’t even have enough members or anything. Strictly speaking, we weren’t even a club — we were just an association. And it didn’t feel like we were a real extracurricular at all.)

(At the start, Ecchan was pretty open. He used me as a strategist, and I helped him figure out his future plans.)

(But I just couldn’t bear to watch that, so I tattled on him to Anija once… After that, Ecchan didn’t bring up that kinda stuff with me at all.)

(I thought he’d cut ties with me then and there. I betrayed him, so I thought he’d never forgive me and stop speaking to me forever…)

(That was just to be expected. But, the next day, Ecchan came to the Garden Terrace like nothing had even happened.)

(And I’d completely made myself at home there, setting up a place to sleep and stuff, so it wasn’t like I could avoid him.)

(Things were pretty strained between us at the start, but we eventually got used to talking to each other normally again—)

(Yeah, we talked about a buncha stupid stuff, didn’t we, Ecchan?)

(We chatted about all sorts of silly things like any other high schoolers would.)

(But, as we were doing that, the situation within the school got a lot more serious. And in autumn, Ecchan passed the point of no return by defeating Valkyrie…)

(All that was left was for them to wear out both their minds and their bodies.)

(They continued on until one of them died, until one of them got wiped out completely. And so the curtains rose on the days of war, when blood was washed away with more blood.)

(That’s why Ecchan got more and more tired, more and more hurt.)

(He was basically the main character of the story — the war — that was unfolding… There was no way he would’ve been able to just sit around, happily sipping tea.)

(But Ecchan still came here pretty often.)

(This Tea Club that we made just ‘cause our interests coincided, just so we could take care of a trivial little problem—)

(And the time we spent together, chatting about random things as we drank tea—)

(I wonder if Ecchan was able to breathe easy ‘cause of them, even if just for a little while… I wonder if he felt at peace, if he treasured all those hours?)

(…Uuu. I’m getting cold. Well, duh, it is winter already. I kinda want some tea to warm me up, but it’s a pain to brew on my own.)

(If Ecchan were here, he’d make me some tea that’d be to my liking without me even needing to ask. But he pushed himself too much, so he’s in the hospital right now.)

(He fulfilled his mission… He’s all burnt out — is he gonna die, just like this?)

(No. I don’t wanna be left all alone again.)

(Anija’s no good, and Knights are no good. They got crushed, and the light they once shone with is fading away.)

(I’d expected that would happen. I knew that would happen, but I didn’t do anything to stop it… I couldn’t do anything.)



(Maa-kun could’ve refused if he wanted to… But he ended up joining the Student Council officially, so he’s taking care of all the post-war processes and stuff now.)

(It looks like he’s got way too much work on his hands; he’d definitely have no time to spend with me, huh?)

(Ahh, I’m the only one. Once again, I’m the only one… who survived completely unscathed, shamelessly letting people kinder and stronger than me protect me.)

(……)

Eichi: Ritsu-kun.

You’ll have some tea with me, won’t you? I can’t seem to find my personal cup, though — do you remember where I put it…?

Ritsu: …?! Ecchan! Wha— why’re you here? Aren’t you supposed to be in the hospital?

Eichi: Fufu, I snuck out. I don’t have the time to idle about in bed without a care in the world right now, you see.

This is a critically important period. Everything is going to begin at this very moment.

The dream that I’ve harbored for so long is about to come true at the expense of so many sacrifices…

Which is why I have to work harder. At the very least, I have to fulfill all my responsibilities—

I could die a thousand times over and it still wouldn’t be enough, you see.

Ritsu: Ecchan. Don’t move. Your complexion looks awful…

You’re such an idiot. You snuck out of your hospital room? I heard that you were in the ICU for ages — aren’t you so sick, you’d basically die in the blink of an eye if you let your guard down?

Eichi: There’s nothing to worry about. It’s alright. I’m not dead yet, so it’s fine.

Ritsu: (...This is no use. He’s clearly fading in and out of consciousness; he’s not thinking straight.)

(I bet he’s all woozy ‘cause he got shot up with a bunch of anesthetics. He just crawled over here out of his sense of responsibility.)

(Why’d he go that far? Why’s he putting his life on the line like this…?)

(I don’t get it, Ecchan.)

Eichi: ……

Ritsu: …Ecchan?

Eichi: Ah, sorry… I lost consciousness for a second there.

Ritsu: You’re seriously going to die at this rate. Don’t push yourself, Ecchan. Here… You can hold onto me, so stop moving. I’m contacting the hospital right now.

Eichi: Ah… Yes, that’s a natural response. I suppose I’m out of time. How frustrating.

I’m truly frustrated, Ritsu-kun. Do you understand how I’m feeling right now?

Ritsu: I don’t. I’m just someone you drank tea with, and I definitely didn’t try and get too deeply involved with you.

Eichi: Ah, but that was pleasant in its own way.

…Hey, Ritsu-kun. I’m quite grateful to you, you know. Within the brutal days of revolution that unfolded within this school, I only ever felt at ease when I spent time at the Tea Club.

It was my solace, my salvation, and the source of my happiness.

So. Thank you, Ritsu-kun.

Ritsu: Stop it — you sound like you’re trying to say your last words or something.

…I contacted the hospital, and they’re sending over an ambulance right now. It’ll be here in a few minutes. You have to hold on until then no matter what, Ecchan.

I’d feel a little lonely if you died, you know.

Eichi: Just a little? Well, even so, love is love. And I can continue living on… for even a mere spoonful of “that”.

Ritsu-kun. I don’t want to make you feel lonely, so I’ll return to the hospital and undergo all my treatments properly. I’ll recuperate soon and return here.

Until then, I want you to protect the Tea Club: the one and only place I could be at peace…

If Yumenosaki Academy became a hell on earth where even “that” ceased to exist, I’d have no desire to come back.

So I implore you. I’ll bow my head for the first time in my life and request this of you, Ritsu-kun.



Ritsu: Mm… Well, I’ll do it if I feel like it.

I “promise”. So don’t worry, and take care of your health.

Rest up and come back soon. And then you’ve gotta make me some more of your yummy tea, just like you always do.

It’s a pain to brew it on my own, you know.

Eichi: Yeah. It’s a promise. Cross my heart and hope to die—

……

Ritsu: …Ecchan? Did you pass out?

Woah! Your complexion’s so awful, I’d barely be able to tell you apart from a corpse!

A-Ambulance! Here, he’s over here! You’ve gotta hurry up!

There’s a patient you need to attend to here — this stupid idiot who wrecked his mind and his body for the sake of his dream…!

Black Tea - Epilogue

Location: Garden Terrace

 
<The present, early in the evening.>

 

Hajime: That’s amazing… I’m really moved.

 

So that’s why Ritsu-senpai tried so hard to protect the Tea Club.

He made a promise… so he held out for the entire time the President was hospitalized.

 

Ritsu: Yup. I’m glad you’re quick on the uptake, Haa-kun.

 

We’ve gotten closer ‘cause you joined the Tea Club, so I thought it was about time I let you in on our secret…

 

This might be hard to believe 'cause it kinda came out of the blue, but it’s the truth.

 

Hajime: I believe you. I didn’t expect this at all, though, so I was a little surprised.

 

To think that the Tea Club was secretly preserving the peace within Yumenosaki Academy…

 

All the "sludge" that’s been swirling around gets purified because we gather here and enjoy ourselves as we drink tea and chat, right?

 

Ritsu: Yup, yup. All the happiness and comfort and fuzzy feelings turn into this powerful force that can smash right through the grudges and ill will that’ve been accumulating.

 

Hajime: If the Tea Club became inactive… If we stopped being able to offer up all those wonderful feelings, what would happen?

 

Ritsu: Well…

 

Hajime: …Gulp.

 

Ritsu: Haa-kun, I’m gonna gobble you uuuup ☆

 

Hajime: Um, that has nothing to do with what I just asked!?

 

Ritsu: It’s fine, isn’t it? Don’t think about it too hard… The point is, I wanna eat you right now ♪

 

Hajime: I-I’m not food, you know!? Ahhh, help me, Presideeent!

 

Eichi: Now, now. Please settle down; you’re making it difficult to tidy up.

 

And Ritsu-kun has just been spouting lies — it’s a bad habit of his.

 

Ritsu: Fufufu~ It’s not my fault people believe me ♪

 

Hajime: Eh? Eeeh? You were lying? I trusted you, you know!

 

I was so worried about whether I’d be able to fulfill the Tea Club’s mission!

 

Ritsu: “The Tea Club’s mission,” huh. Pffft.

 

Eichi: Fufu. We certainly don’t have anything as important as a mission entrusted to us. As I’m sure you’re well aware, the Tea Club is a group where we harmonic companions simply enjoy conversations with each other.

 

Ritsu just took some creative liberties because he felt that the truth wasn't interesting enough to discuss over tea unembellished.

 

Hajime: O-Ooooh… Yes, of course. I thought it was pretty strange too. Honestly, I did.

 

Tori: Fufu. Even though all the blood drained from your face, and you looked like you were gonna cry at one point~?

 

Hajime: I-I mean… It didn’t particularly sound a lie. It looks like there were a lot of exaggerations, but I had a feeling that the sentiment of the Tea Club being important wasn’t false.

 

Ritsu-senpai received a desperate plea from the President… And, letting those feelings brew in his chest, he protected the Tea Club. I was really moved by that.

 

Ehehe. Ritsu-senpai always looks like he doesn’t really care about anything.

 

So I think it’s amazing that he desperately, bravely kept his promise like that… What a beautiful friendship ♪

 

Ritsu: Ew. No, you were right, Haa-kun. I pretty much couldn’t care less about anything.

 

But I’ll protect our place of belonging — our promise… So you’d better be grateful to me, ‘kay, Ecchan?

 

Eichi: Eeh~? I already gave you my thanks, didn’t I?

 

Ritsu: Gimme more! I looove being thanked~♪

Eichi: Fufu. You truly are siblings — you’re just like your darling older brother in that regard ♪

 

Ritsu: Huuuh!? Stop being gross. Is ''this ''how you’re gonna repay me~?

 

Hajime: Now, now… Please get along, everyone. We won’t be able to enjoy our tea properly if the atmosphere grows tense.

 

Eichi: Yup, you’d best listen to Hajime-kun. That was quite the wonderful statement! We could make it into the Tea Club’s motto, or perhaps we could frame it and put it on display ♪

Ritsu: Just hurry up and finish cleaning already. You’re the host of today’s tea party, Ecchan, so fulfill your role ‘til the very end.

 

Eichi: I will… You're the reason I'm able do so, after all.

 

Fufu. Words of gratitude and love are pleasant no matter how many times one repeats them, but… Things that are too sweet aren’t really to my taste.

 

So I’ll add just a spoonful more at the end.

From the bottom of my heart... Thank you, Ritsu-kun.

 

Ritsu: You’re welcome. You’d better spend the rest of your life repaying me.

 

And Anzu-chan and everyone else too. The Tea Club helped make the gloominess that shrouded you dissipate, even if just by a little, and that’s why things are so peaceful right now.

 

We definitely could’ve arrived at a future filled with waaay more destruction.

 

So I really am a hero who preserved the peace and saved the world…

 

You’ve gotta take that into consideration and thank me more! You’ve gotta pamper me and spoil me rotten~♪

 

Eichi: Don’t get carried away, now. Look, I’m all done cleaning up, so we should begin heading home.

Yes, let’s return home together. Happily, peacefully.

 

Ritsu: Yeah, yeah. You’re such a pain…

 

Besides, we’re here at the place where we belong, the place where we can find peace right now — we’re already home, aren’t we?

Eichi - Idol Story 1

Location: Reception Room

Eichi: Hello, there. Welcome, Producer-chan.

I'm the administrative committee president of ES and the leader of fine, Tenshouin Eichi.

However, I'd appreciate it if you would simply refer to me as "President."

Just kidding. I wanted to try introducing myself as if it was our first time meeting each other — what do you think? Did I seem distinguished?

No need to hold back; I want you to express what's in your heart.

Fufu. Lately, I’ve been getting many more chances to greet people whom I've never met before, so I wanted to practise a bit.

They're people from the fields of administration or politics, things like that, so it can't be helped.

"Men are your walls, men are your castles" — I don't mean to borrow Keito's favorite phrase, but in reality, people are this society's most fundamental unit.[1]

Society as a whole is only able to revolve if we grasp the connections, the flow — indeed, everything —between one person and another. If gears move as they are expected to, there's no need to oil them so they move more smoothly.

However, I was born with a weak constitution, so I was never very passionate about learning societal customs. Lately, I've been trying to re-learn all of my etiquette from zero.

I've more or less understood the rules of high society, but in ES I come in contact with colleagues, suppliers, fans, unrelated passersby...

I'm not so naive to think that I can behave the same way towards such a variety of people without any problems arising.

And I don't have a personal history that allows me to expect that I’ll be liked by others for no reason.

Yes, I’m troubled by how I should act towards older people who still have the seniority system soaked into their bones — especially the certain suppliers I need to behave modestly towards.

I’m almost impressed that they managed to survive in this harsh, capitalistic society with such attitudes… If I was asked to express my innermost thoughts, that is how I would respond.

Perhaps this is due to my appearance or my age, but no matter what I do, I’m always made light of as a frail youngster.

If I’m still looked down upon as a child, I can’t make deals properly — I can’t do business.

In order to continue building the sparkling, golden age of idols, I need to vigorously continue working.

Of course, if I flatter people too much they’ll only end up disliking me. However, on the other hand, it isn’t a wise decision for me to don the mantle of the prestigious Tenshouin zaibatsu.

Nothing will progress by causing others to atrophy. Engraving fear into them, making them hold malice towards me, will only cause bad influences to spring up in the future.

Even I’ve learnt that much now.

That’s why I wish to find the perfect arrangement to face everyone I come in contact with.

I have assets and power, but those alone aren’t sufficient to make everything work smoothly.

I want to be able to absolutely control each and every gear, each and every human.

Yes, that’s the real issue at hand. That’s why I called you here, Producer-chan.

You look like a plain child who could be found anywhere, but for some reason, you’re loved by all.

I want to learn from your way of life. This isn’t a joke, you see, so please hear me out without laughing.

I hold you in very high regard — to the same or perhaps an even greater extent than the revolutionaries this age wished for — Trickstar.

Fufu. Although CosPro’s Saegusa-kun is a specialist at controlling people’s hearts…

He’s my business rival. I don’t want to owe him a favor, and there’s the possibility that he might indoctrinate me with lies.

As long as this earth continues to spin, as long as humanity continues to exist, strife will not end.

Even now, as I’m speaking here, I’m in the midst of a battle. I don’t want to give my opponent an opening they can take advantage of.

ES has only just been established, so it’s in a very delicate position at the moment.

That’s why I need you. You're respected by and can freely come and go from every prominent agency in ES.
You’re a special existence to the key people who changed the ages…

Yes, I need you, a singularity in the idol industry, who is trying to become its most important figure.
I want to hear your opinion. Because in this age, that is what is considered “right” and “true.”

Oh, you’re making quite the suspecting face. How adorable… You should be a little more aware of your position.

Well, that kind of modesty and feigning of innocence is also one of your charms, though.

Modesty that’s taken too far will actually cause animosity, especially when it’s a superior that behaves obsequiously and lowers their head — such actions will only cause their colleagues and underlings to feel uneasy.

You should be careful of that. I’ve given you quite a lot of authority, and I’m repeating the words I said earlier, but…

You’re much more amazing than you think you are, and you’re becoming quite an important figure.

Well, I gave you such a position precisely because I didn’t think that you’d be the type of person who would arrogantly change like that so suddenly.

You’re surrounded by the cunning and the sly here, so please take care that your innocent mentality isn’t taken advantage of.

I’m quite worried… Of course, I’m your ally, so do feel free to speak to me if anything ever troubles you.

I’ll handle it as best as I can, as discreetly as I can. But, naturally, I’ll be receiving something in exchange.

...Yup. Alright, thank you. I’ve more or less understood.

Fufu. Actually, asking you to come and teach me ways to deliver my self-introduction was a mere pretext.

As the times move forward, the environment also changes, and I want to see what kind of existence you’ll become with my own two eyes.

I will refrain from making a conclusion for now, but your attitude has largely satisfied me. I’m truly happy that you’re able to remain the good child you are.

From here on out and into the future… I want you to make stars sparkle and flowers bloom while remaining just the way you are — without deteriorating into spite as I did in the past.

Of course, I cannot compel you into doing so, but I’m at least able to pray for such an outcome.

A blissful future: a kingdom of, by, and for idols that will last a millennium and more—

Shall we build it together, you and I? I would be heartened and incredibly grateful if you could see the same dream that I do.

I’ll continue placing my hopes in you, so please don’t disappoint me… Producer-chan ♪

Translation Notes:
[1]This is a reference to a poem by Takeda Shingen, a military leader during the feudal era, which is popularly interpreted to mean that even the greatest of walls/castles will fall without support from the people. Funnily enough, although he says this is Keito's favorite phrase, Eichi himself is the only one that has used it in Enstars so far.

JP Proofreading: Peace
ENG Proofreading: honeyspades

Wataru 5* Feature Scout - That Which is Reflected in Your Eyes 1

Location: Reception Room


Eichi: …And here are the designs for the garments that will be revealed at our next live.

Why are you averting your eyes, Anzu-chan? It’s perfectly alright for you to look at these documents.

You’ve obtained official permission to attend this fine meeting. You’re something like a guest to us; I’d like for you to make yourself at home.

Wataru: …(Makes a ton of flowers appear from his hands)

Eichi: Well, then, I’ll return to discussing the outfits. I was told that there is a possibility we won’t be able to fit into them should our physiques undergo some type of change. Do let me know if you believe such a thing has happened; your measurements will have to be retaken.

Tori: I wonder if I should get mine retaken?

Yuzuru: Have you gained weight by any chance, Young Master? Perhaps you’ve been gobbling down sweets behind my back…

Wataru: …(Changes the flowers into little flags)

Tori: Nuh-uh. I’ve just been more conscientious about working out and stuff, so I think I might’ve put on some muscle.

Eichi-sama, could you request a measurement retake for me?

Eichi: But of course. It would be wonderful to see the fruits of your efforts materialize.

Wataru: …(Spreads a bunch of confetti around)

Tori: Yup ♪ By the way, Long Lo— Hibiki-senpai. What’ve you been doing this whole time?

You’ve been completely silent, but you keep on pulling out flowers and flags or throwing around confetti and stuff — I seriously can’t concentrate on the meeting anymore.

Wataru: Please pay me no mind; this is simply an act of gratitude towards Anzu-san!

Tori: Gratitude~?

Wataru: Indeed, or perhaps this is something akin to a puzzle I am giving her. Around when Anzu-san began the quest to create my Personalized Outfit, I posed her a challenge.

I told her that I wanted her to express the Hibiki Wataru reflected in her eyes through her design…

How do I look to her — do you not consider that to be a fascinating question? Am I an idol, singing and dancing atop a stage? A magician who bewilders his audience?

Or perhaps a Masked Pervert, as Hokuto-kun is wont to call me? A clown that plays the fool and jests?

Eichi: I see, you’ll be able to understand how she views you through the design she comes up with.

How very interesting…♪ I eagerly await its completion, Anzu-chan.

Tori: I heard that Anzu was the one who requested to gather more info on you, but don’t bother her too much. Got that, Hibiki-senpai?

Eichi: And, with that, our meeting has come to an end. I’ll be staying behind to finish off some work, but everyone else is free to do whatever they’d desire.

Wataru: Understood. I am reluctant to part with you, but I have a Dramatica practise session I must attend; I’ll be taking my leave here.

However, should you ever find yourself in a bind, you need do nothing more than whisper my name. I shall appear faster than even the wind itself to save you, Eichi…☆

Eichi: Thank you, you’re very reliable.

Yuzuru: I shall remain here as well to assist Eichi-sama in his work. What would you like to do, Young Master?

Tori: Um… I’m gonna tag along with Anzu and Hibiki-senpai.

His personal life is still shrouded in way too many mysteries, after all. And I wanna know more about what kinda person he is.

Wataru: Amazing! I’ll have the company of not one, but two wondrous people. To commemorate, allow me to make more flowers appear from thin air…☆ [1]

Tori: Just what are you celebrating for? Actually, don’t even answer that — just stop flooding the room with flowers already~!

Scene Change: Resting Room


Tori: Sniff, sniff… I smell some freshly baked bread.

Now that I think of it, I’m kinda hungry. Maybe I’ll get a little snack to go—

Unyaaa!?

Uuu~ I was just about to slip on a banana peel. Thanks for catching me, Anzu.

Geez. Just who decided to leave a banana peel here~?!

Wataru: If you are inquiring as to who did this, allow me to answer thusly: the culprit is none other than your very own Hibiki Wataru…☆

In order to keep Anzu-san entertained as she continues to gather material on me, I have planted a number of surprises all throughout ES.

It is but a paltry gift, but I do hope you enjoy it to your heart’s content…♪

Tori: You’re such a menace! I wonder if I can even reach the bread unscathed… I’ve gotta keep my guard up as I walk.

I’ll go in front, so you just stay behind me, Anzu.

Wataru: Amazing! The idea of sacrificing yourself for the sake of that which you hold dear is absolutely wonderful!

Tori: Shut uuup. We wouldn’t even have to do all this if you didn’t set up all these surprises, Long Locks.
I’m gonna move forward little by liittle…

Huh, nothing’s really happening…?

Wataru: Fufufu. This, too, is an aspect of surprises. Did you enjoy the sensation of your heart racing as you wondered whether something would happen or not?

Tori: There’s no way I’d enjoy that. Uuu, that was exhausting…

At least I can finally eat my bread. I wonder which one I should get~

Huh? Are you just gonna have tea and cookies, Hibiki-senpai? Now that I think of it, you never really eat proper food, huh?

Wataru: That isn’t the case at all — please take a look at this.



Tori: Eeeh, what is this!?

Wataru: What, you ask? Why, it is a photo of Eichi and I. We took it just last weekend on Eichi Day.

Tori: Thanks, I can see that! Oi, Long Locks, I can’t believe you shared a private meal with Eichi-sama! That’s way too unfair!

What does this even mean, though? You can only eat proper meals when you’re with Eichi-sama?

Wataru: I wonder? If you’d like to deepen your knowledge about my eating habits, why don’t you stick by my side for the entire day?

Tori: No way! You’re just gonna toy with me, aren’t you?

Anzu, why’re you taking down notes so passionately? There’s nothing you can glean from this conversation that’ll help you with the Personalized Outfit, you know.

Wataru: Not at all! She may be able to gain more from this exchange than you would expect. We idols are beings who turn our very faces into commercial products; perhaps she could design me a coat or such that would have your face printed all over it, Himegimi…☆

Tori: That’s an awful design idea! Anzu, don’t you dare write that down~!

Next Chapter

Translation notes:

1. Wataru uses an idiom that literally means "to hold flowers in both of your hands" so he at least has a good reason to throw out flowers here.

Wataru 5* Feature Scout - That Which is Reflected in Your Eyes 2

Location: Dance Room

Keito: How incorrigible. Why on earth are you suddenly adding new characters to the story this late in the game? We’ll be performing the musical this weekend.

Leo: I couldn’t help it~ My pen just moved on its own!

But it’s okay! I know you’ll be able to do it, Keito! I’m cheering you on! Ah, I’ll even compose a cheer for you — something that’ll give you tons of energy~♪

Keito: I have no need for such things. I reject this script. We’ll continue to use the version we have been up until now.

Leo: No, no! I couldn’t stand releasing an incomplete work of art into the world! We’re deeefinitely using this version of the script — no ifs, ands or buts! Grrrr!

Tomoya: Um… In terms of content, I think the script that we just received is better.

Leo: Riiight? You get it, Shiro! Alriiight, I’m gonna give you a buncha pats ♪

Tomoya: Please don’t pat me like a dog…! Uuu, my hair’s a mess now.

We don’t have enough actors for this script, though. And even if I tried to ask around, we don’t really have much time…

Wataru: In that case, we’ll have Anzu-san fill in the extra role for us.

Tomoya: …Huh?

Keito: What nonsense do you think you’re spouting? Look, Anzu’s rather perplexed as well.

Wataru: I don’t believe there are any issues with this plan. In terms of her lines and songs, I’ll support her with my vocal mimicry skills should she falter.

All you need to do is move in synchrony with me atop the stage. Will you allow me to request this of you?
I assure you that there is no need to worry. Now, we haven’t much time — allow me, Hibiki Wataru, to meticulously train you.

And so the hunter becomes the hunted. Or, in this case, the observed becomes the observer, I suppose? Fufufu…☆

Scene Change: Theater



(After the musical ends)

Tomoya: Thank you for your hard work. The musical was a huge hit because of you, Anzu-san.

…You think it’s more thanks to Hibiki-senpai than yourself? I thought your acting was really good, though.

But, yeah, you’re right. I have a feeling this performance wouldn’t have been a success without Hibiki-senpai.

Normally, he just bugs me — he’s just the annoying Masked Pervert.

But I really do respect him when it comes to his acting skills, or the part of him that’s an entertainer who can make people happy.

I’m not just gonna admire him, though. One day, I'm gonna catch up to his distant back…

As an actor, I wanna be his equal in the truest sense of the word.

Ah, but keep this all secret, okay? I don’t even wanna think about what Hibiki-senpai would say if he heard me—

Wataru: You called?

Tomoya: Uwaah!? W-When did you get here…? Were you listening to that?

Wataru: To what, pray tell?

Tomoya: N-No, it’s nothing. Good, I guess you really didn’t hear. I’m gonna go see Hokuto-senpai, bye!

Wataru: Oh? It almost appeared as if he were running away from me.

In any case, I truly thank you for obliging my sudden request for you to perform with us, Anzu-san. Please accept this bouquet…☆

Now, why are you thanking me? …You realized which direction you wanted to take the Personalized Outfit due to this performance?

Ah, so you drew up a design right after the show ended. Do allow me to take a look…

Hoho, I see you used clowns as the central motif… It's very eye-catching. Did my form — the vision of me performing as an entertainer atop the stage — leave such a strong impression on you?

Amazing! The ideal I seek is to become an entertainer who brings happiness and laughter to people. Thank you very much for designing an ensemble that aligns with my wishes☆

And I assure you that this isn’t flattery — not in the slightest. I, too, believed that such a design would be perfect for me. As proof of that statement…

Could I have you flip over the message card that came with the bouquet I just gave you?

A picture is drawn on it, correct? The red and green coloring, the three-pronged tailcoats, the frills on the sleeves… Oh my, I have a feeling we’ve seen something like this before ♪

What a truly wonderful coincidence for us to have drawn the same image. Perhaps we have some sort of telepathic connection?

Fufufu. Your eyes have gone wide; you appear to be quite shocked. It looks like my surprise was a great success.

Naturally, I didn’t secretly peek at your design at all. I’m sure you’re aware of the fact that I was almost constantly on stage during the performance.

And I had been sending off the audience members until only just recently; I didn’t have the time to draw something like this.

“In that case, when did you draw it,” you ask? I’m afraid I can’t tell you that. It wouldn’t be very interesting for me to reveal all the secrets behind my tricks so easily, now would it?

There are times when secrets should be left that way, unexposed.

If you simply must know the answer, why don’t you continue to gather material on me? Please observe me closely until my Personalized Outfit is fully completed.

And, thus, let us work together to create the image of myself reflected in your eyes — the image that depicts me exactly as I am…♪

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