Tempest - Chapter 4

[haranami]

Location: Garden

 

<Several days later. Sunday, at noon>

 

Eichi: ……

 

...Can I open my eyes yet, Wataru?

 

Wataru: Nope~ Not just yet~! Please bear with me until the demon counts up to a hundred — a person living in this modern age has to abide by laws! [1]

 

Eichi: Who’s the demon here…?

 

When I close my eyes, I can almost believe that we’re the only two people in the world, so by process of elimination, it would have to be me.

 

Wataru: Oh, but it could be me; I was once rumored to be a monster and ostracized like a demon, you know!

 

Ladies and gentlemen, ‘tis I, the infamous Hibiki Wataru of the Five Oddballs...☆

 

Eichi: You’re in an exceptionally good mood. That’s delightful in itself, but I’m a bit perplexed because I don’t know what’s going on.

 

I want to understand everything about you — from the top of your head to the very tips of your toenails — but I only continue to feel ashamed at my own inability to do so.

 

Wataru: Fufufu. Come now, there's no need to behave like a sulking child. You're far too adorable, you know?

 

Eichi: Well, I practically am a child, with the way I’m being piggybacked blindfolded like this. Idols should always be showing the world the ideal version of themselves...

 

But I must look like quite the idiotic commander.

 

Wataru: Is that not an incredibly apt title for you?

 

After all, you’re the leader who established this strange microcosm of foolish idols, and you still unabashedly call yourself an “Emperor” in modern day Japan!

 

Eichi: It’s not like I’m a dictator, pulling all the strings from the top, though.

ES — and this modern society — is far too expansive for some novice who's only just graduated high school to be able to control it.

Wataru: Indeed. Not being able to control nor understand a single human being is only natural, even for those who've dedicated their whole lives to doing so!
 

That is the limitation of human beings, and precisely why life is so interesting! It is why — ahhh — this world is overflowing with so much radiance...✩

 

Eichi: ……

 

Wataru: Oh? You’ve stopped replying. I personally find it quite shocking to not be responded to, you know?

 

Eichi: ...I’ve more or less grasped the situation, is all.

 

Although you’ve deprived me of my sense of vision, so long as I live, I remain capable of deduction. This sweet smell is… hmm?

Wataru. Do you really think of me as a child? Is that why you're trying to raise my spirits by giving me confections?

 

Wataru: Not at all. I know you dislike sugary things, so I’ve prepared something far better!

 

Please open your eyes, Eichi!

 

No... Your Majesty, my dearest, voracious Emperor! This pitiful clown shall offer up to you a world that is exactly to your liking!

 

Eichi: …Um?

 

Tori: Oh! They’re here, they’re here!

 

Geez, what took you guys so long~? My hair's gonna get all messy if you make me wait in the middle of this storm!

 

How much time do you think I spend every morning trying to look as cute I can be?

 

Yuzuru: Fufu. Actually, I'm primarily one who arranges your hair every morning. But I have no qualms with that; every minute I spend doing so is incredibly meaningful ♪

 

Eichi: My, it looks like everyone’s here.

 

But what exactly is this gathering for? You’ve even laid out plastic sheets and spread out all these snacks and drinks—

 

Tori: Huh? Have you not told Eichi-sama anything?

 

Wataru: Of course not. If I did, he would've probably tried to run away.

 

Eichi: I wouldn’t run away… so long as you properly explained the reasoning behind your actions and I found them to be sensible.

 

As far as I can tell, it looks like everyone’s come to have a fun, happy flower viewing party.

There are plenty of sakura petals dancing about due to how strong the wind is here, and it is Sunday. However, I simply don’t have time to spare.

 

Yuzuru: Fufu. You seem to be a bit sullen.

 

You're quite egocentric, after all. You can’t be used to not having your way and getting pushed around by others.

 

Eichi: You say that like you understand how I feel, Yuzuru.

 

Yuzuru: I do. Because I, too, am a member of fine.

 

Tori: What an exemplary answer! Pat, pat~ My butler's always the best ♪

 

Eichi: I beg to differ… I thought it'd be better to refrain from broaching this topic, so I didn’t bring it up, but— why are you being held in Yuzuru’s arms, Tori?

 

If anything, he’s more of a mother than a butler.

 

Yuzuru: In jest, I would ask, “Are those roles not similar?”

 

For me, giving boundless affection to, spoiling, and taking care of the Young Master is how I fulfill my butler-ly desires.

 

Eichi: Butler-ly desires...

 

Yuzuru: Indeed. Today is a holiday, so I am dispelling my stress by doing what I enjoy.

 

Such actions would be considered assault if permission was not given beforehand, but the Young Master has given me his consent today.

 

Tori: Yup. I’m all tired out from working hard every day; this is fine once in a while. It’s also part of a master’s duties to give his servants breaks and rewards!

 

Today’s a holiday, “Eichi Day." I guess I can loosen up and allow this.

 

Eichi: “Eichi Day”?

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Notes: 

1. In Japan, tag is called 鬼ごっこ (onigokko, lit. “playing as demons” or something along those lines) and the person who's “it” is called the demon.